Hotels in Metro Manila [Archive] - Page 3

JustHorace

November 6th, 2006, 02:08 PM

^^Great! However, the official rebranding of the Philippine Plaza to Sofitel will begin next year.

Whats the best hotel in QC? i'm planning to go home this january '07 kasi.

If you're looking for a five-star, Crowne Plaza is conveniently located along Ortigas Avenue. It is connected to Robinsons Galleria and is a stone's throw away from other famous shopping centers like, SM Megamall, The Podium, Shangri-La Plaza and St. Francis Square. Contrary to popular belief, Crowne Plaza is still part of Quezon City, as with the whole Robinsons Galleria complex.

If you're not into five-star but is still looking for world-class amenities, try Holiday Inn Galleria, also at Robinsons Galleria. As Mico mentioned, you can also choose to stay at the Great Eastern Hotel along Quezon Avenue. Otherwise you can check-in at the Imperial Palace Suites, located near Tomas Morato, a nightlife district. This hotel is affiliated with the Accor group of hotels (under the Mercure brand), the same hotel chain operating the Philippine Plaza.

If you're really, really in a tight budget, you can find a Sogo Hotel at every kanto :lol:.

Crowne Plaza
http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/hotelmedia/repository/hotelimages/MNLCP/WELCM_EXTR_02_E.jpg
http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/hotelmedia/repository/hotelimages/MNLCP/GROOM_SUIT_04_E.jpg

Holiday Inn Galleria Manila
http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/hotelmedia/repository/hotelimages/MNLGL/WELCM_EXTR_01_E.jpg
http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/hotelmedia/repository/hotelimages/MNLGL/GROOM_ROOM_01_E.jpg

Great Eastern Hotel
I have no photos. Can't find one. But it's a nice hotel, featuring newly-built 15-storey(??) tower.

Imperial Palace Suites
http://www.accorhotels-asia.com/uploads/hotels/images/3603_380.jpg
http://www.accorhotels-asia.com/uploads/hotels/images/3603_1489.JPG

IMPRESARIO

November 6th, 2006, 03:27 PM

i think Imperial Palace is close to my aunts Condo,hmm....that's convenient,Thanks for the suggestions guys!

_zner_

November 7th, 2006, 03:58 AM

Hey, let's not forget Great Eastern Hotel in West Triangle along Quezon Avenue which is currently expansion, Imperial House Suites in Tomas Morato, and another one nearby (i forgot the name... I think Oriental Hotel)...

...and Sulu(?) Hotel at the back of QC City hall. :)

kunoL8

November 7th, 2006, 09:47 AM

i don't know if it's been posted on ssc but the renovation of the Makati tower rooms of The Peninsula Manila is finished.

photos from manila.peninsula.com

new deluxe room
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b300/ka_rl_08/manpen01p006.jpg

and here are renderings of...

the new living area for the makati tower suites
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b300/ka_rl_08/manpen01p007.jpg

the lobby
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b300/ka_rl_08/manpen01p001.jpg

manila pen's concept is to "filipinize"(as i call it) the hotel. imo, i think the new room design looks good. modern filipino, i like. it also has this resort feel to it. the new lobby looks nice too. it's much more relaxed than the current lobby - i guess the palm trees make it more casual.

kevinb

November 7th, 2006, 09:57 AM

...and Sulu(?) Hotel at the back of QC City hall. :)

I think it's Sulo Hotel.

OtAkAw

November 7th, 2006, 01:52 PM

^^Manila Peninsula, as always, is so gorgeous!

terrapinoy

November 7th, 2006, 02:42 PM

I think it's Sulo Hotel.

Sulo Hotel is currently for sale @ P340 Million.

http://www.islandsproperties.com/properties/commercial/mm-que-cm-409/index.htm

Anyone have some spare change?:)

kalabaw

November 9th, 2006, 06:06 PM

i don't know if it's been posted on ssc but the renovation of the Makati tower rooms of The Peninsula Manila is finished.

the lobby
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b300/ka_rl_08/manpen01p001.jpg

manila pen's concept is to "filipinize"(as i call it) the hotel. imo, i think the new room design looks good. modern filipino, i like. it also has this resort feel to it. the new lobby looks nice too. it's much more relaxed than the current lobby - i guess the palm trees make it more casual.

Manila Peninsula's lobby is a jewel hidden inside it's not-so-gorgeous building exteriors.

kevinb

November 10th, 2006, 01:52 AM

Sulo Hotel is currently for sale @ P340 Million.

http://www.islandsproperties.com/properties/commercial/mm-que-cm-409/index.htm

Anyone have some spare change?:)

It's for sale?! :eek2: Is it bankrupt already? I never thought Sulo Hotel was going to bankruptcy. :ohno:

thomasian

November 10th, 2006, 06:35 AM

^^ Mismanagement yata nung anak ng may-ari na nagmana nung hotel.

kevinb

November 17th, 2006, 04:28 PM

Poor Sulo Hotel.:ohno: So may nag-iinteres pa naman bang bumili dun?

whyte

November 24th, 2006, 09:45 AM

http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view_article.php?article_id=34482

Oakwood sold to Singapore firm for P2.7B
Inquirer
Last updated 03:47am (Mla time) 11/24/2006

AYALA Hotels Inc. and partner Ocmador Philippines BV have sold Makati Property Ventures Inc., owner of the Oakwood Premier Ayala Center serviced apartment building in the Makati business district to Ascott Residence Trust of Singapore for P2.7 billion, according to a statement of Ayala Land Inc.

Ascott paid 10 percent of the purchase price upon the signing of the sale and purchase agreement on Thursday and will pay the balance in March, the statement said.

Ayala Hotels, jointly owned by Ayala Land Inc. and its parent company Ayala Corp., owns 60 percent of Makati Property Ventures. Ocmador, a special purpose vehicle of ING Real Estate Asia Investment BV, owns 40 percent.

Ascott Residence Trust is the world's first Pan-Asian serviced residence real estate investment trust (REIT) and is listed on the main board of the Singapore Stock Exchange. It has an asset size of 952 million Singapore dollars, owns 14 properties in Singapore, China, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines and Vietnam, and has an asset portfolio of 2,304 units in nine cities. In the Philippines, it owns Somerset Millennium and Somerset Salcedo, both in Makati.

Ayala Land president Jaime Ayala said the sale was in line with an Ayala Land policy of focusing on core assets to maximize shareholder value.

Ascott Residence Trust chief executive officer Chong Kee Hiong said Oakwood would be re-branded as Ascott Manila. Elizabeth L. Sanchez, with INQ7.net

---------

thanks OBOI

oboi

November 24th, 2006, 09:49 AM

^^Check the Business Section of inq7.net ;)

http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view_article.php?article_id=34482

JustHorace

November 24th, 2006, 09:59 AM

^^Nyek! We already have three Ascotts in Makati. I'd prefer that it remain an Oakwood para naman may brand variety.

kalabaw

November 24th, 2006, 06:27 PM

Don't know if someone already posted this...

============

Luxury hotel chain coming back to RP

First posted 05:51am (Mla time) Nov 22, 2006
By Philip Tubeza
Inquirer

Editor's Note: Published on Page A1 of the November 22, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

SINGAPORE -- A luxury boutique hotel chain, dubbed by a Filipino tourism official as at the top of its class, is returning to the Philippines more than a decade after it pulled out of the country.

Owners of the Banyan Tree chain gave one reason for their change of heart: The Philippines is a “very different” country now.

Tourism Secretary Ace Durano yesterday said that Banyan Tree executives would scout for places in the Central Visayas next year to set up one or more resorts.

The announcement of Banyan Tree’s decision followed a meeting in Singapore on Monday between Ho Kwon Ping, the hotel’s executive chair, and President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

A boutique hotel provides luxurious personalized services and facilities, unlike the general service provided by large hotel chains. Its size is relatively smaller, often ranging from three to 100 rooms, furnished with a certain theme and style.

This year, Banyan Tree’s branch in Phuket, Thailand, landed on the premium lists of hotels in the world, such as the 500 World’s Best in Asia, Top 100 Hotels in the World (33rd) and Best Overseas Spa, according to the Banyan Tree website.

“Their category is boutique resorts and they’re the number one brand in Asia,” Durano said.

He said Banyan Tree was in the league of classy hotels with the Aman group of resorts, which runs Amanpulo, the most expensive resort in the country, which charges more than $1,000 a night.

$400 a night

Banyan Tree usually charges $400 to $800 a night, with one villa in its resorts costing P10 to P50 million to build, Durano said.

“These are the really high-end big resorts. It shouldn’t be more than a hundred rooms per resort, the really ultra luxury type,” he said.

“If that brand will come to the Philippines (and invest in Palawan), it will put Palawan on the international tourism map,” Durano added.

Ho said his group would look at Palawan and Cebu but declined to give specific areas to prevent real estate prices in these areas from soaring.

He said that Banyan Tree decided to give the Philippines a second look because of the improved political and economic situation in the country.

“I think in the last several years, the whole economic and political situation in the Philippines has certainly changed compared to the past,” Ho told reporters after meeting Ms Arroyo.

“It has become politically and economically far more stable. The economy is growing well. Global tourism, of course, is growing strongly,” he added.

Why Banyan Tree left

“And we’ve always known that the foreign tourist community’s interest in the Philippines has never waned. So it’s not a matter of creating demand. The demand has always been there for the Philippines.”

Ho said “a complex web of factors ... from political to economic to infrastructural” caused Banyan Tree to quit the Philippines in the early 1990s. These factors also discouraged investors from coming.

“Access was not easy and so on. People after a while did not have the confidence to invest because if you did not have the backup facility you may not succeed,” he said.

“(But) I think there is great credibility today in the global community in the government of the Philippines. And that credibility has prompted many investors, from myself in tourism to investors in other areas, to really want to take a very serious look at the Philippines,” he added.

Ms Arroyo’s map

Durano said Ms Arroyo showed Ho a map of the Philippines and suggested areas where Banyan Tree could invest.

“I had a very interesting, very fruitful discussion with Madame President, where we indicated the interest of the Banyan Tree group to invest and to operate in the Philippines,” Ho said.

“I mentioned to her that we had actually been involved in the Philippines a number of years but we pulled out.”

Ho said Banyan Tree had resorts in over 30 countries, from China to Mexico and Europe, “but we unfortunately neglected the Philippines.”

‘Very difficult choice’

He said Ms Arroyo gave a “very impressive” presentation during Monday’s lunch.

“Many members of the Singapore business community, I think, have a view of the Philippines now that is very different than before,” Ho said.

“We are now committed to the President and we will be going within the first quarter of next year to look at several sites to do maybe one or possibly more Banyan Tree resorts,” he said.

Ho said there were “many places of beauty” in the Philippines.

“The choice is going to be very difficult,” he said. With a report from Inquirer Research

From: http://specials.inq7.net/thegoodnews/index.php?ver=1&index=1&story_id=34029

thomasian

November 26th, 2006, 10:37 AM

I remember seeing this "G Hotel" in a magazine (sa isang archi mag or home mag yata pero di ko matandaan kung anong magazine mismo) sometime before, the most notable thing about it is the mostly black-and-white interiors, ang ganda.

It was supposed to open earlier but as I see it, I think the delays was because of Waterfront's involvement in the hotel which they further renovated.

Personally, I think this will help revolutionize the Philippine hotel industry into having more botique hotels that has loads of character and personality in design, not to mention a more personalized service.

---------------

From Carlos Celdran's blog.
http://celdrantours.blogspot.com/2006/11/carlos-recommends_19.html

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/357/622/1600/g%20hotel.2.jpg

The Opening of the G Hotel

Date: November 20, 2006
Time: All day
Place: 2090 Roxas Boulevard, Malate

Description: Downtown Manila's first bonafide boutique hotel opens it's doors. Featuring decor by architect/designer Gerry Contreras (which is what the G stands for) and managed by the Waterfront Hotels Group (then again, the G could mean Gatchalian), this 50-room gem of a hotel features a striking lobby done in dramatic black and white, tastefully appointed rooms with modern Filipino furniture, and a penthouse ballroom good for 120 overlooking the waters of Manila Bay. Each room comes with a pantry and their rooftop poolside bar, Mirage, promises to be the epicenter of action for Manila's hipsters who are looking for the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail overlooking Roxas Boulevard and the sunset. Rooms start at U$100.00

----------------

From http://www.biztimes.com.ph/opinion/200611262.htm

A new hotel opens at the Roxas Boulevard last Friday, Nov. 17. It is the G Hotel by Waterfront. It used to be an old building which was rebuilt by Architect Gerry Contreras that is why it is called G Hotel for Gerry. However since Architect Contreras is not a hotelier, he teamed up with William Gatchalian of Waterfront Hotels for the operations. Hence, the G is also for Gatchalian. Atty. Pablo Gancayco who serves as Legal Counsel of the Waterfront Group says G - could also be for Gancayco. Pwede na rin.

-------------

Gatchalian firm acquiring 2 hotels

Copyright 2006 Manila Standard. Source: Financial Times Information Limited.
[November 14, 2006]

(Manila Standard Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) Waterfront Philippines Inc. has earmarked P1 billion over the next two years to bankroll the acquisition of two more hotels and the completion of the soon-to-be-opened G Hotel Manila.

Plastics king William Gatchalian said his company wanted to acquire a 300-to 400-room hotel in Davao City and another 400- to 500-room hotel in Manila's bay area.

He said acquiring additional hotels was part of the group's overall expansion strategy to address the growing demand for hotels geared for Asian tourists.

"Building up [hotels] takes a long time so we are looking at acquisitions instead," Gatchalian said.

The hotel chain operator has already spent P30 million on improvements on a newly leased boutique hotel in Manila and is looking at opening five similar hotels in Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo and Bacolod to cater to the high-end market.

The company has signed a contract to lease and manage the 50-room, 800-sqm G Hotel Manila, owned and designed by architect Gerry Contreras.

G Hotel Manila by Waterfront, which will open this month, is the group's answer to the growing demand for small premium hotels catering to high-end travelers who want privacy and personalized service.

The 50-room hotel is projected to generate revenues of P10 million per month although the group is looking at the possibility of expanding the capacity to 150 rooms.

G Hotel Manila will be under the corporate management group of Waterfront Hotels and Casinos.

In the first six months of the year, the company posted a net profit of P146 million, which was up P5 million on year.

Revenues rose 8 percent to P939 million from January to June this year versus P871 million in the first half of 2005.

The company attributed the positive financial performance to the aggressive expansion of its international and domestic distribution network as well as its continued thrust to improve products and services.

Waterfront operates the Manila Pavilion Hotel and Casino, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino, Waterfront Airport Hotel and Casino Mactan and Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao.

Waterfront has 1,550 rooms, 1,560 employees and over 41,300 sq m of convention and gaming space. It also houses the Philippines largest gaming facilities.

----------------

Waterfront allots P1B for 3 hotels
Manila Bulletin Online - Friday, November 17, 2006

Waterfront Philippines Inc. is expanding its hospitality business with the allocation of R1 billion for three hotels within two years. Plastics king William Gatchalian said the company will soon open its G Hotel along Roxas Boulevard in Manila and the acquisition of two more, one in Davao and another hotel in the Bay Area. "This is our major expansion and these hotels are primarily geared for Asian tourists," Gatchalian said. Gatchalian said they chose to acquire existing hotels b ecause construction one takes up a long time. Earlier, Waterfront said it will spend about P30 million on improvements in a newly leased boutique hotel in Manila and may open five similar hotels in other cities. These hotels are aimed for the high-end market. Part of this expansion is the G Hotel. Earlier, Waterfront entered into a contract for the lease and management of the 50-room, 800-square meter G Hotel Manila, which is owned and designed by architect Gerry Contreras. The G Hotel alone is expected to generate revenues of P10 million a month. G Hotel Manila will be under the corporate management group of Waterfront Hotels and Casinos. The hotel is expected to be opened this week. Waterfront even plans to open five more G hotels in the cities of Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo and Bacolod. Waterfront is marketing small but premium hotels believing there would suit the demands of the highend clients who want privacy and personalized service.

---------------

Waterfront eyes high-end boutique hotel mart
Inquirer - 10/31/2006

HOTEL firm Waterfront Philippines Inc. will spend about P30 million on improvements in a newly leased boutique hotel in Manila and may open five similar hotels in other cities, aiming for the high-end market, company president Rexlon Gatchalian said.

Waterfront said it had signed a contract last Friday to lease and manage the 50-room, 800-square meter G Hotel Manila, owned and designed by architect Gerry Contreras.

G Hotel Manila by Waterfront will open on Nov. 16, and Waterfront may open five more G hotels in the cities of Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo and Bacolod, Gatchalian said.

"This is an innovation we wanted to introduce to the market," he said. "There is a market now for small premium hotels catering to high-end travelers who want privacy and personalized service."

He said a 50-room G Hotel could generate revenues of P10 million a month. He added that in future hotels the rooms could be increased up to 150 rooms.

G Hotel Manila will be under the corporate management group of Waterfront Hotels and Casinos.

Waterfront operates the Manila Pavilion Hotel and Casino, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino, Waterfront Airport Hotel and Casino Mactan and Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao. It has a total of 1,550 rooms, 1,560 employees and over 41,300 square meters of convention and gaming space. It also houses the country's largest gaming facilities. Elizabeth L. Sanchez, with INQ7.net

kunoL8

November 26th, 2006, 11:27 AM

^^ i've been hearing about this g hotel for a long time now. so, they're just opening it now? i thought it's been open for a while. manila is really lagging compared to other south east asian capitals when it comes to high end boutique hotels. more investors should take interest in building more since i think there's a significant market for it in the region. i'm kinda iffy on waterfront managing it though.

i think the admiral hotel along roxas boulevard can be turned into a boutique hotel.

adverg

November 26th, 2006, 01:18 PM

Quite nice but the tv cabinet attached to the backdrop are to bulky. Concept very good, reflects Filipino style. But I think the designer wants to impose like a console type of cabinet where 900mm high is required.

tigidig14

November 26th, 2006, 04:24 PM

banyan tree...that is crazy!!!

kunoL8

November 26th, 2006, 09:18 PM

which philippine resorts were former banyan tree resorts? i know there was one in nasugbu.

bagel

November 27th, 2006, 04:11 AM

Where is G Hotel located? And if they open up a bar inside, would they call it the G-Spot?

edit: found this photo at http://celdrantours.blogspot.com/2006/11/carlos-recommends_19.html
http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/357/622/1600/g%20hotel.2.jpg
It looks like it is somewhat trying to go for the art-deco theme.

kevinb

November 27th, 2006, 04:39 AM

Luxury hotel chain coming back to RP

SINGAPORE -- A luxury boutique hotel chain, dubbed by a Filipino tourism official as at the top of its class, is returning to the Philippines more than a decade after it pulled out of the country.

From: http://specials.inq7.net/thegoodnews/index.php?ver=1&index=1&story_id=34029

I remember seeing this "G Hotel" in a magazine (sa isang archi mag or home mag yata pero di ko matandaan kung anong magazine mismo) sometime before, the most notable thing about it is the mostly black-and-white interiors, ang ganda.

It was supposed to open earlier but as I see it, I think the delays was because of Waterfront's involvement in the hotel which they further renovated.

Personally, I think this will help revolutionize the Philippine hotel industry into having more botique hotels that has loads of character and personality in design, not to mention a more personalized service.

---------------

From Carlos Celdran's blog.
http://celdrantours.blogspot.com/2006/11/carlos-recommends_19.html

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/357/622/1600/g%20hotel.2.jpg

The Opening of the G Hotel

Description: Downtown Manila's first bonafide boutique hotel opens it's doors. Featuring decor by architect/designer Gerry Contreras (which is what the G stands for) and managed by the Waterfront Hotels Group (then again, the G could mean Gatchalian), this 50-room gem of a hotel features a striking lobby done in dramatic black and white, tastefully appointed rooms with modern Filipino furniture, and a penthouse ballroom good for 120 overlooking the waters of Manila Bay. Each room comes with a pantry and their rooftop poolside bar, Mirage, promises to be the epicenter of action for Manila's hipsters who are looking for the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail overlooking Roxas Boulevard and the sunset. Rooms start at U$100.00

----------------

From http://www.biztimes.com.ph/opinion/200611262.htm

A new hotel opens at the Roxas Boulevard last Friday, Nov. 17. It is the G Hotel by Waterfront. It used to be an old building which was rebuilt by Architect Gerry Contreras that is why it is called G Hotel for Gerry. However since Architect Contreras is not a hotelier, he teamed up with William Gatchalian of Waterfront Hotels for the operations. Hence, the G is also for Gatchalian. Atty. Pablo Gancayco who serves as Legal Counsel of the Waterfront Group says G - could also be for Gancayco. Pwede na rin.

-------------

Gatchalian firm acquiring 2 hotels

Copyright 2006 Manila Standard. Source: Financial Times Information Limited.
[November 14, 2006]

(Manila Standard Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) Waterfront Philippines Inc. has earmarked P1 billion over the next two years to bankroll the acquisition of two more hotels and the completion of the soon-to-be-opened G Hotel Manila.

Plastics king William Gatchalian said his company wanted to acquire a 300-to 400-room hotel in Davao City and another 400- to 500-room hotel in Manila's bay area.

He said acquiring additional hotels was part of the group's overall expansion strategy to address the growing demand for hotels geared for Asian tourists.

"Building up [hotels] takes a long time so we are looking at acquisitions instead," Gatchalian said.

The hotel chain operator has already spent P30 million on improvements on a newly leased boutique hotel in Manila and is looking at opening five similar hotels in Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo and Bacolod to cater to the high-end market.

The company has signed a contract to lease and manage the 50-room, 800-sqm G Hotel Manila, owned and designed by architect Gerry Contreras.

G Hotel Manila by Waterfront, which will open this month, is the group's answer to the growing demand for small premium hotels catering to high-end travelers who want privacy and personalized service.

The 50-room hotel is projected to generate revenues of P10 million per month although the group is looking at the possibility of expanding the capacity to 150 rooms.

G Hotel Manila will be under the corporate management group of Waterfront Hotels and Casinos.

In the first six months of the year, the company posted a net profit of P146 million, which was up P5 million on year.

Revenues rose 8 percent to P939 million from January to June this year versus P871 million in the first half of 2005.

The company attributed the positive financial performance to the aggressive expansion of its international and domestic distribution network as well as its continued thrust to improve products and services.

Waterfront operates the Manila Pavilion Hotel and Casino, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino, Waterfront Airport Hotel and Casino Mactan and Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao.

Waterfront has 1,550 rooms, 1,560 employees and over 41,300 sq m of convention and gaming space. It also houses the Philippines largest gaming facilities.

----------------

Waterfront allots P1B for 3 hotels
Manila Bulletin Online - Friday, November 17, 2006

Waterfront Philippines Inc. is expanding its hospitality business with the allocation of R1 billion for three hotels within two years. Plastics king William Gatchalian said the company will soon open its G Hotel along Roxas Boulevard in Manila and the acquisition of two more, one in Davao and another hotel in the Bay Area. "This is our major expansion and these hotels are primarily geared for Asian tourists," Gatchalian said. Gatchalian said they chose to acquire existing hotels b ecause construction one takes up a long time. Earlier, Waterfront said it will spend about P30 million on improvements in a newly leased boutique hotel in Manila and may open five similar hotels in other cities. These hotels are aimed for the high-end market. Part of this expansion is the G Hotel. Earlier, Waterfront entered into a contract for the lease and management of the 50-room, 800-square meter G Hotel Manila, which is owned and designed by architect Gerry Contreras. The G Hotel alone is expected to generate revenues of P10 million a month. G Hotel Manila will be under the corporate management group of Waterfront Hotels and Casinos. The hotel is expected to be opened this week. Waterfront even plans to open five more G hotels in the cities of Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo and Bacolod. Waterfront is marketing small but premium hotels believing there would suit the demands of the highend clients who want privacy and personalized service.

---------------

Waterfront eyes high-end boutique hotel mart
Inquirer - 10/31/2006

HOTEL firm Waterfront Philippines Inc. will spend about P30 million on improvements in a newly leased boutique hotel in Manila and may open five similar hotels in other cities, aiming for the high-end market, company president Rexlon Gatchalian said.

Waterfront said it had signed a contract last Friday to lease and manage the 50-room, 800-square meter G Hotel Manila, owned and designed by architect Gerry Contreras.

G Hotel Manila by Waterfront will open on Nov. 16, and Waterfront may open five more G hotels in the cities of Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo and Bacolod, Gatchalian said.

"This is an innovation we wanted to introduce to the market," he said. "There is a market now for small premium hotels catering to high-end travelers who want privacy and personalized service."

He said a 50-room G Hotel could generate revenues of P10 million a month. He added that in future hotels the rooms could be increased up to 150 rooms.

G Hotel Manila will be under the corporate management group of Waterfront Hotels and Casinos.

Waterfront operates the Manila Pavilion Hotel and Casino, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino, Waterfront Airport Hotel and Casino Mactan and Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao. It has a total of 1,550 rooms, 1,560 employees and over 41,300 square meters of convention and gaming space. It also houses the country's largest gaming facilities. Elizabeth L. Sanchez, with INQ7.net

These are all good news especially the Banyan Hotel. That's one indication that Tourism is having a stronghold at this moment in Phil history.:)

cusket

December 9th, 2006, 09:14 PM

i think Imperial Palace is close to my aunts Condo,hmm....that's convenient,Thanks for the suggestions guys!

Rembrandt Hotel on Thomas Morato, newer than Imperial Hotels, I am not sure about the quality of the rooms, however.

OtAkAw

December 10th, 2006, 09:05 AM

Thailand is peppered with Banyan Trees, buti pupunta na sila sa Pilipinas!

Dvorak

February 9th, 2007, 05:26 AM

Valentimes na naman!

mabenta na naman mga motels!!!

adverg

February 9th, 2007, 09:39 AM

VEry nice thread, after reading some debates, I was convinced to favor with Thomasian. yes, what is the difference between five star hotel from condotel or motel. Why our instinct always prejudge when people enter into a motel or condotel as a low standard people and always go for sex. For me this two type of occupancy have the same functions, I was involved with this line for so long and nothing to be differentiate except for the standards of facilities. Sorrry to utter some delicate words if delicate for you. we must not be hiprocrite about this and we are not child just born yesterday. Why we need to hide about sex, what's wrong with that. Maybe out of topic but I want to highlight some of my bachelor experience, I've been to this place many times and I love going there, even five star hotel I experience this everything, but theres nothing different, if people pre judge me because I came out of motel, with or without partners, who cares? Even in ermita, I know all those prostitutes because I experience to be with them and I found out they are true people and have heartaches to themselves. Not all prostitutes are bad girls, they are just been a victim of unexpected circumstances. The time I had experience being with them because of proximity of my college friend who staying in ermita and we are studying architecture in Adamson, I feel at this time when I recall, how the different two worlds evolves and who is true and hipocrite.

pau_p1

February 9th, 2007, 10:56 AM

people online aren't all hypocrites here or is mum to it because not all people online are matured enough for topics regarding it.. there are a lot of kids going online here.... let's be responsible enough...

Rajah_Soliman

February 9th, 2007, 07:33 PM

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h129/rajah_soliman/XXXX%20My%20Avatar/valenine11.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h129/rajah_soliman/XXXX%20My%20Avatar/valentine1.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h129/rajah_soliman/XXXX%20My%20Avatar/valentine12.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h129/rajah_soliman/XXXX%20My%20Avatar/valentine14.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h129/rajah_soliman/XXXX%20My%20Avatar/valentine2.jpg

crappypants

February 10th, 2007, 10:03 AM

bat hindi na lang kayo magshorttime sa ilalim ng mga puno.

3cr

March 7th, 2007, 07:49 AM

Uy nabuhay nanaman ang thread na to...Hehehe...:bash: :bash: :bash:

SKYLINEPIGEON

March 8th, 2007, 07:02 AM

Ayalas to build plush $153M-hotel complex

property firm Ayala Land Inc. on Thursday said it will jointly develop a luxury hotel complex in Makati worth $153 million with Saudi firm Kingdom Hotel Investments.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, Ayala Land said the complex will house a 300-room Fairmont Hotel, a 30-suite Raffles Hotel and 189 Raffles-branded private residences.

The complex will sit on a 7,377 square meter property at the corner of Makati and Arnaiz avenues.

This piece of property currently houses the bus terminal within the Ayala Center shopping complex.

Ayala Land sources say construction of the complex will begin early next year. The project will be completed in three years.

Kingdom Hotel Investments is a hospitality related private equity company majority owned by Prince Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Alsaud, a member of the Saudi Royal family.

The firm owns 33 hotels around the world, of which 19 are operational and 14 being developed. It has partnerships with major hotel firms Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, Raffles Hotels and Resorts and Movenpick Hotels and Resorts

-TC-

March 8th, 2007, 04:09 PM

Don't forget this yet unnamed hotel in the future Century City complex at the old IS site :) :

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g227/tcc_0888/centurycity10.jpg

thomasian

March 8th, 2007, 05:16 PM

^^ Oo nga pala. Have Century partnered with any hotel operator before?

-TC-

March 8th, 2007, 05:27 PM

^^ Oo nga pala. Have Century partnered with any hotel operator before?

I know this is the first time for them to venture into hotels... I initially thought their partner for the Century City hotel project was Kingdom (just a guess) but after that announcement today of Ayala+Kingdom for the Fairmont Makati Hotel and Raffles Suites and Residences (yup that's the full name) along Makati Ave... I don't know now who their partner will be for the proposed CC Hotel. Hmmm...

ryanr

March 8th, 2007, 07:34 PM

:lol: Thomasian provides updates to everything...right down to the sogo motel:D

laquacherra

March 9th, 2007, 03:11 AM

^^ here's a suggestion... le meridien hotels & resort group!! :okay:

MetropolitanBoy

March 9th, 2007, 06:22 AM

I would love to see a W Hotel in BGC.

Where will the proposed Grand Hyatt at BGC be located? I hope a big, nice, swanky hotel gets built along 5th Avenue near the tip of Bonifacio High Street. :)

ryanr

March 9th, 2007, 06:58 AM

Where will the proposed Grand Hyatt at BGC be located? I hope a big, nice, swanky hotel gets built along 5th Avenue near the tip of Bonifacio High Street. :)

Capital Place...on the lot beside (east) the U/C Singapore Embassy.

ryanr

March 9th, 2007, 06:58 AM

^^ here's a suggestion... le meridien hotels & resort group!! :okay:

Good suggestion. Le Meridien hotels are usually mid-rise/low-rise buildings like the one in that rendering. Or maybe a Ritz Carlton to replace the proposed on in Rockwell?:D

-TC-

March 21st, 2007, 05:59 PM

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=70856
March 21, 2007

China's Shimao Property Holdings Ltd. will invest at least $2 billion in hotel chains in the Philippines under long-term leases, with the investment likely to rise to $4 billion, Manila's trade secretary said on Wednesday.

The Shanghai-based group is investing in the Philippines at a time when the southeast Asian country is attracting money from private equity, real estate investment trusts and emerging market funds all looking to jump into the local property market surge.

Trade Secretary Peter Favila told Reuters the chairman of the Shimao group, Hui Wing-mau, informed President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Tuesday night that his firm would sign leases with the state corporation Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA).

"I had dinner with him last night and it was last night when he informed the president of his decision," Favila said.

"Initially they will invest $2 billion but that could rise to close to $4 billion," he said.

The long-term leases would allow the Chinese group to put up hotels in Fort Bonifacio on the outskirts of the Makati financial district and in Quezon City, both in the capital.

Fort Bonifacio is one of the fastest-growing upscale districts in Manila, with high-rise apartment blocks and office towers coming up on the site of a former military camp.

The Chinese group is also looking at other properties outside the capital, such as the southwestern island of Palawan, Favila said. Palawan is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the country.

Shares of Hong Kong-listed Shimao gained 0.27 percent on Wednesday, underperforming the Hang Seng Index, which rose 0.82 percent.

Shimao, which made its debut on the Hong Kong stock exchange in July, is a large-scale developer specialising in high-end developments in prime locations. It raised $477 million at its initial public offering and a total $600 million in a dual tranche bond offer in November.

The Chinese group has been increasing its landbank, with a purchase in Shenyang city in China's Liaoning province in December increasing its total landbank to 17.2 million square metres.

Favila said the latest investment in the Philippines, along with some other deals expected to be formalised in the coming weeks, would allow the country to easily hit its goal of a 12 percent rise in direct investments this year by local and foreign groups.

Investment growth has been steady at 10 percent in the last three years, Favila said. - Reuters

-TC-

March 22nd, 2007, 02:48 AM

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/03222007/headlines02.html

By Max V. de Leon
March 22, 2007
BusinessMirror

WYNN Resorts Ltd. of Las Vegas fame is keen on investing anywhere from $500 million to $1.5 billion for a hotel-resort with casino here, with one official saying the Philippines has the potential of overtaking Macau as a prime gaming destination in seven to 10 years.

Tim S. Shiah, who represented Wynn managing director Jack Binion at the ongoing Asia’s Gaming and Entertainment + Leisure Expo Manila (Asia’s GEM) 2007, said the company is already shopping around for prospective locations in the country for its investment.

Some of the areas being looked at, Shiah said, are Subic, Clark, Cebu, Boracay and the planned 800-hectare Pagcor (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.) Entertainment City at Manila’s reclamation area.

Shiah said Binion has been in the country at least three times and will make another trip here soon to check on the various opportunities for gaming cum total entertainment, especially after Congress approved the extension of Pagcor’s franchise for another 25 years.

“Mr. Binion’s a billionaire. He’s not coming here if he’s got nothing to do with his day,” Shiah told reporters at the sidelines of the Asia’s GEM 2007 at the Hyatt Hotel and Casino in Manila.

He, however, stressed that nothing is definite at this time.

A Wynn investment for a resort hotel with casino ranges from $500 million to $1.5 billion, he said.

The 600-room Wynn Macau, for instance, entailed $1.2 billion initially and now employs 7,500 personnel.

Shiah said the Philippines has the potential to overtake Macau in seven to 10 years, especially since the country already has the two important ingredients that other locations do not have—the quality personnel and natural attractions like beaches.
Because of this, Shiah said “many potential investors from Las Vegas are taking a hard look at the Philippines.”

“Macau is fortunate because they have China there and their players can bus over or take the ferry from Hong Kong, but Macau is going to have to get tough too when Singapore and the Philippines get going too,” he said.

In giving Macau a run for its money, Shiah said Manila can start having Las Vegas-type hotels and spice them up with the same quality gaming and complete entertainment.
With a total entertainment package, Shiah said the country can emulate Las Vegas, which earns earning 25 percent from gaming and 75 percent from entertainment.

Besides this, Shiah said the country should embrace investors through sound legislation, elimination of red tape and by ensuring that local government units work harmoniously with the investors they are hosting.

Shiah said Pagcor chairman and CEO Efraim Genuino, who he described as the “hardest-working gaming chairman” globally, is on the right track in attracting big investors and operators to promote the Philippines.

PCCI president Samie Lim, who also attended the event, said the Philippines could at least outpace Macau with the Pagcor Entertainment City and other attractions like the beaches, shopping malls, medical tourism spots, and golf, among others.

More important, Lim said the country has the “pleasant personnel” fit for the gaming industry.

“Based on experience, Macau is not really a pleasant experience because the people there are so business type. Filipinos, on the other hand, are always smiling so that even if you are losing, your experience will still be pleasant,” Lim said.

Macau, he said, attracted 22 million tourists in 2006 and it is unlikely that it will be having 40 million tourists in 10 years.

The Philippines, meanwhile, had over two million tourists in 2006 and this is projected to grow to 5 million by 2010 and then to 10 million in 10 years.

“So we can be the fastest-growing in the world,” Lim said.

-TC-

March 24th, 2007, 01:50 PM

@laquacherra and GreyX... here comes Le Meridien...

Chinese Group commits to invest $ 2 B in Fort dev’t
Manila Bulletin, March 24, 2007
http://www.mb.com.ph/BSNS2007032490305.html

Bases Conversion and Development Authority President and CEO Narciso L. Abaya announced yesterday the signing of a memorandunm of understanding (MoU) with Hui Wing Mau, chairman of Shimao Group, the biggest conglomerate for land development in China, for the joint development of a sizeable portion of land in the Bonifacio Global City (BGC).

"This is one of the biggest partnerships of government for property development in 2007, Abaya said after the signing of the MoU.
"This will further boost the asset disposition program of BCDA and enhance its revenue generating capability translating to more funds for AFP modernization and other beneficiaries," Abaya added.

BCDA Chairman Aloysius Santos attributed the investment decision of the Shimao Group to the favorable investment climate provided by the Arroyo administration. Chairman Hui expressed great confidence with the way President Arroyo is managing the country’s economy.

Shimao Group Chairman Hui, named by Forbes Magazine as the 2nd richest person in China in 2002, has expressed his interest to invest between US$ 2 to US$ 4 billion in high-end hotel and mixeduse buildings in the said area.
Chairman Santos said the MoU will enable Shimao Group to gain a major foothold in Bonifacio Global City – and the entire Philippines.

The MoU provides for the conduct of detailed studies on future joint development projects with BCDA in the Global City. "The Shimao Group needs to get all the data and information on investing in the Philippines, specifically on the requirements for massive development in BGC, since this is their first venture here," Santos added.

The Shimao Group is the owner of the Le Meridian Hotel, the Royal Meridien Hotel – the tallest structure in Shanghai, China, and the Grand Hyatt Hotel also in Shanghai. Altogether, they have more than 10 luxury hotels in China.

The Royal Meridien Hotel is a 66-storey, five-star hotel that houses 761 luxurious guest rooms and suites and offers a breathtaking view of the Bund and the Huang Pu River, People’s Square Park, and Shanghai’s skyline.
The Shimao Group always maintains an inventory of more than 20 million square meters of luxury offices and residential condominiums and continues to build an average of four million square meters annually.

The principal businesses of the Shimao Group are property development, property investment and hotel operations. It is a listed company in the Hong Kong stock exchange.

Abaya noted that "this development makes the Bonifacio Global City a key international business district, and is aligned with the thrust of President Arroyo in enhancing investments and generating job opportunities that will lead to a better life for Filipinos by 2008."

The Global City boasts of world-class infrastructure that includes underground water supply and distribution, drainages and power utilities. It also has a fiber optic cabling network to support a wide range of telephone, video and data applications.

venntro

March 26th, 2007, 07:02 AM

There's also a proposal to build a high end hotel in QC within the area of Ayala's IT park along Commonwealth Avenue.

venntro

March 26th, 2007, 07:04 AM

Shimao also plans to build another hotel in QC.

-TC-

May 4th, 2007, 02:29 AM

Shimao takes risk, joins bidding in Global City
By Max V. de Leon Reporter May 4, 2007

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/0504&052007/companies01.html

CHINESE land developer the Shimao Group is taking a calculated risk by joining a competitive bidding to secure a lease agreement for the 7.4-hectare government property in Fort Bonifacio where it plans to put up a $2-billion hotel-commercial-residential complex.

Shimao officials, according to trade secretary Peter B. Favila, are really bent on getting their hands on that property they originally picked near the Department of Energy office even if it means going through a cumbersome public bidding.
The 7.4-hectare lot is owned by the state’s Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).

“Shimao wants what they saw, probably because of Feng Shui, I don’t know,” Favila told reporters.

Favila earlier advised Shimao to have a joint venture with Fort Bonifacio Development Corp., which owns lands in the area, or the MetroBank group, which also has a big property nearby.

This way, Favila said Shimao just needs to sign a contract with the landowner without going through public bidding.

President Narciso Abaya of the BCDA, who just arrived from a meeting with Shimao’s chairman Hui Wing Mao in Hongkong, reiterated the advice.

Still, Favila said Shimao made it clear it wants to go at it alone and develop its preferred site.

“The BCDA told them that we should go to the bidding, and they said it’s okay,” Favila said. “Shimao wants to go solo. I think they want to be alone.”

With this, Favila said the BCDA will now prepare the terms of reference for the bidding.
He said the target date for closing the deal is within the month.

Shimao wants to develop the 7.4–hectare lot to a high-end, mixed-use complex sprinkled with a 5-star hotel, condominiums, offices and retail shops.

Abaya said Shimao is a “world-class, fast-paced developer” that could finish a 900-room twin-tower luxury hotel in 18 months, as what they did with the Hyatt Hotel at the Bund in Shanghai.

Shimao’s entry into the local scene sets “a new standard in real-estate development in the Philippines,” Abaya added.

thomasian

May 4th, 2007, 12:55 PM

^^ Coolness! That's what we need, the need for speed! ...when it comes to developments. I hope Shimao's entry would entice other developers to fast track their projects.

-TC-

May 4th, 2007, 04:03 PM

Another news that came out a few days ago...

http://business.inquirer.net/money/breakingnews/view_article.php?article_id=63795

Trump eyes partnership with BCDA
By Ronnel Domingo
Inquirer
Last updated 02:32am (Mla time) 05/03/2007

MANILA, Philippines -- More high rollers in real estate are looking at real estate held by the government’s Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA), with exploratory talks underway with flamboyant property tycoon Donald Trump on possible joint ventures, BCDA president Narciso Abaya said.

Abaya said in a telephone interview that the discussions with Trump were preliminary, details of which he was not at liberty to give.

An Inquirer source said executives of Trump Organization, which includes hotel and casino operator Trump Entertainment, made a presentation through a video conference with BCDA officials a week ago.

After overcoming bankruptcy from previous investments, Trump owns more than 18 million square feet of prime Manhattan real estate.

Abaya said a possible stumbling block to a partnership was that the BCDA, which oversees development of former military lands, is required to hold competitive biddings before it can go into deals with the private sector.

“BCDA is not allowed to go directly in a partnership,” he said. “This is the same issue that is holding back [BCDA] from signing a deal with the Shanghai Shimao group.”

The proposed deal with the Shimao group, one of China’s top real estate developers, involves a $2-$4 billion project to erect a high-end hotel and mixed-use buildings in the Bonifacio Global City, near the Makati business district, for which a memorandum of understanding was signed in March.

The BCDA says the memorandum of understanding provides for detailed studies on future joint development projects that would make the Bonifacio Global City a key international business district.

The deal proper was supposed to have been signed during President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s visit to China last month.

Abaya said he and other BCDA officials made a concurrent trip to China to discuss how to address the requirement for a competitive bidding. “This is one of the kinks we are trying to iron out before any contract can be signed with the Shimao group,” he said.

When asked whether the same issue would be a hurdle for a possible partnership with the Trump Organization, Abaya said, “Yes.”

metrosuburban

May 6th, 2007, 09:36 AM

Don't forget this yet unnamed hotel in the future Century City complex at the old IS site :) :

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g227/tcc_0888/centurycity10.jpg

I bet eto na yung Ritz Carlton.

j.r.

May 9th, 2007, 04:15 PM

more updates pls? he he

j.r.

May 9th, 2007, 04:17 PM

:lol: actually kakatuwa mga posts dito. For adults only. :nuts:

lightsaber46

May 11th, 2007, 06:48 AM

ano pa ba yung ibang motels na u/c??? hehehe para mabigyan na ng blessings heheheh.....

thomasian

May 11th, 2007, 12:23 PM

^^ The u/c Sogo infront of the also u/c Robinsons Place Manila - Midtown Wing.

FYI, Sogo Sta Mesa has a direct connection to the LRT2 Pureza Station South Exit. I'll post a pic of that access way to the station, nakuhanan ko na ng pic ung loob nung daanan dati eh, hanap ko lang sa PC ko. It's a good way to exit Sogo discreetly, magmumukha ka lang nag LRT kasi pag dun ka dumaan eh sa LRT station ang labas mo, di halata! :D

-TC-

May 18th, 2007, 03:48 PM

http://business.inquirer.net/money/breakingnews/view_article.php?article_id=66592

Shangri-La also eyes Trump’s target lot in Global City
By Ronnel Domingo
Inquirer
Last updated 03:45am (Mla time) 05/18/2007

MANILA, Philippines -- Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts has proposed to build a six-star hotel on a 1.2-hectare lot in Bonifacio Global City, the same property that American tycoon Donald Trump is eyeing, the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BSCA) said.

Officials of the Shangri-La group, the largest Asian-based deluxe hotel group, made a preliminary presentation to the BCDA board meeting last May 15, BCDA president and chief executive Narciso Abaya said in a statement.

Abaya said Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts vice president Greg Dogan expressed keen interest in the lot formerly known as the Government Center for Investment, right beside the City Center of Global City.

Earlier this month, Abaya told the Inquirer in an earlier interview that the BCDA was holding exploratory talks with the Trump group on a possible high-end project, like a Trump Plaza, in Global City.

He said a stumbling block was that the BCDA, being a government agency, must do a competitive bidding and could not go into direct partnership with a private investor.

Shangri-La’s entry may provide the answer, as the BCDA could auction the lot and both the Shangri-La and Trump groups could bid for it.

BCDA chairman Aloysius Santos said Shangri-La’s proposal was made on a no-commitment basis and the BCDA made no decision on the matter.

“The BCDA board is mapping out an action plan for a transparent competitive selection process among the interested proponents,” Santos said.

Abaya said in the Inquirer interview that the requirement for biddings was holding the BCDA back from signing a partnership deal with the Shanghai Shimao group on a $2-billion project.

Shanghai Shimao, one of China’s top real estate developers, signed a memorandum of understanding with the BCDA in March after its chairman, Hui Wing Mau, during a visit expressed interest in investing $2-$4 billion in high-end hotel and mixed-use buildings in Global City.

The BCDA said the memorandum of understanding provided conducting detailed studies on future joint development projects with BCDA, which the BCDA said would make Global City a key international business district.

OtAkAw

May 20th, 2007, 09:34 AM

Another interesting hotel line is the one from Paris Hilton's sister Nicky, what if she built a hotel here?

daDJ

May 20th, 2007, 06:43 PM

thank goodness, we're seeing more hotels being built/planned in the metro

kingcobra

May 21st, 2007, 01:01 PM

Don't forget this yet unnamed hotel in the future Century City complex at the old IS site :) :

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g227/tcc_0888/centurycity10.jpg

THIS IS COOL...

MNL

May 21st, 2007, 02:36 PM

Ritz-Carlton Hotel daw yan ha.

-TC-

May 21st, 2007, 03:32 PM

I bet eto na yung Ritz Carlton.

Where did you hear that?

anonymous_filipino

May 21st, 2007, 05:26 PM

i hope donald trump will win the bid for the hotel site in Global City. it will be his first hotel in Asia.

MNL

May 21st, 2007, 05:52 PM

yeah..:) any updates ba tungkol kay trump?

metrosuburban

May 22nd, 2007, 02:17 AM

From a Manila Standard article: Jan 18 2007

***

The former campus of the International School in Makati’s Central Business District will be transformed into an integrated commercial, tourist and business center. The 48,832 sq m property is said to be the largest remaining piece of undeveloped land in the premier city.

The ambitious project, the centerpiece of which is a 500-room five-star luxury hotel, will be undertaken by a consortium of property developers led by Century Properties Inc. and its strategic partners Crescent Point Holdings Ltd. of Singapore and Picar Holdngs Inc., a member of the AMA Group of Companies.

Picar Holdings, which has a 27.5 percent share in the consortium, is headed by Ambassador Amable Aguiluz V as chairman emeritus.

Ambassador Aguiluz says that the project will generate a lot of job opportunities and will help the country cope with the ever-increasing influx of foreign tourists.

The consortium is working with prominent business group that owns one of the Ritz Carlton Hotels in the Middle East. The foreign investors will develop the five-star hotel which will rise on a one-hectare portion of the prime property.

The AMA Group, has prepared the integrated masterplan that also includes commercial buildings, residential units, a shopping complex and an information technology park. The project is expected to be completed in two-and-a-half year’s time.

-TC-

May 22nd, 2007, 02:59 AM

... The ambitious project, the centerpiece of which is a 500-room five-star luxury hotel, will be undertaken by a consortium of property developers led by Century Properties Inc. and its strategic partners Crescent Point Holdings Ltd. of Singapore and Picar Holdngs Inc., a member of the AMA Group of Companies.

Picar Holdings, which has a 27.5 percent share in the consortium, is headed by Ambassador Amable Aguiluz V as chairman emeritus.

Ambassador Aguiluz says that the project will generate a lot of job opportunities and will help the country cope with the ever-increasing influx of foreign tourists.

The consortium is working with prominent business group that owns one of the Ritz Carlton Hotels in the Middle East. The foreign investors will develop the five-star hotel which will rise on a one-hectare portion of the prime property...

Oh yeah I remember now. Thanks for reminding me about that article where the Ritz name first cropped up for the Century City hotel. Anyway, no new developments yet about the final hotel brand upto now.

anonymous_filipino

May 22nd, 2007, 05:17 PM

sana magkatotoo mga ito:

1. Trump International Hotel and Tower in FBGC.
2. Ritz-Carlton in Century City
3. Grand Hyatt Hotel in Manila Bay City *
4. JW Marriot Hotel in North Triangle, Quezon City *
5. Conrad International Hotel in Manila Bay City *
6. Hilton Hotel in Filinvest, Alabang *
7. Le Meridien Hotel in Filinvest, Alabang *
8. Westin Hotel in Manila Bay City *
9. W Hotel in Ortigas Center *
10. Marco Polo Hotel in Quezon City *
11. Some Las Vegas hotels namely:
- Wynn Resort and Country Club
- Caesar's Palace
- The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino
- The Mirage
- MGM Grand Hotel
(all located in Bagong Nayong Pilipino Manila E-City) *

note: all hotels with * are just my wish....:)

MNL

May 22nd, 2007, 05:44 PM

^^ Sana lahat yan magkatotoo.:)

-TC-

May 23rd, 2007, 03:54 PM

http://www.sminvestments.com/News.php?BlurbID=531

SM Investments Chooses Hotel Managers

By Ruby Rubio, 23 May 2007
Source: BusinessWorld

Two hotel management companies have agreed to manage hotels of Sy-led SM Investments Corp. on the SM BayCity in Pasay City and Cebu.

European hotel management firm Accor and Asian hotel chain Carlson Hotels Asia Pacific entered into a memorandum of understanding with SM Investments to develop and manage the properties, the Sy-led holding firm said in a statement.

Carlson will develop and manage the 350-room property in SM BayCity, which is envisioned to be the country's premier business and tourism district by the Manila Bay, SM Investments said.

"The city hotel will have food and beverage outlets, ballroom and meeting facilities and recreation' facilities. It will be strategically located near the SMX Convention Center;' SM Investments said. "Due for completion later this year, the SMX Convention Center is a world-class venue for major conventions and trade shows. and poised to become the principal hub in the country's growing exhibition industry."

A central attraction of the area is the SM Mall of Asia, SM Prime Holdings, Inc.'s biggest shopping mall. Other developments being planned are corporate headquarters for conglomerates, office and residential clusters, a coliseum for sporting events and entertainment shows as well as a ferry terminal.

Corazon P. Guidote, vice-president for investor relations, earlier said the master plan of th.e business park calls for four hotels with the view of the Manila Bay sunset. Carlson operates five hotel brands in Asia-Pacific: Regent Hotels & Resorts, Radisson Hotels & Resorts, Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Country Inns & Suites By Carlson and Park Inn.

Meanwhile, SM Investments tapped Accor - which manages the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel - to develop and manage its 400-room property in Cebu City, located right next to the SM City Cebu Mall.

Besides Sofitel, Accor's hotels also go by the Grand Mercure, Novotel, Mercure, All Seasons, Ibis and Formule 1 brands.

"The hotel's facilities will include a majestic lobby, food and beverage outlets, a grand ballroom that can accommodate 1,000 persons and 10 meeting facilities, a business center and recreation facilities including an outdoor swimming pool," SM Investments said.

Located beside the mall, the hotel is within SM's 13-hectare property at the Cebu north reclamation, area. Almost PI billion has been poured into the hotel, which was built in the late 1990s, but stopped commercial operations while SM searched for a management company.

Officials of Carlson and Accor could not be reached for comment yesterday afternoon. Yesterday, SM Investments shares closed 2.34% higher at 437.50.

portludlow

May 25th, 2007, 06:37 AM

Gokongwei to build 3rd Ortigas hotel

http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=business5_may25_2007
ENCOURAGED by the record-high occupancy rates of his two Ortigas hotels, taipan John Gokongwei Jr. is now planning to build a third hotel in the same area.

According to the grapevine, the third hotel would be built in what is now the former Medical City site, a block away from the Shangri-La Edsa Plaza.

The planned Gokongwei hotel would serve as the centerpiece of an upscale residential-commercial complex with the same luxury level as that of Shangri-La and the Podium, taipan Henry Sy Sr.’s high-end shopping development across his hugely successful Megamall.

According to the grapevine, Gokongwei acquired the former hospital site for P1 billion.

ewh1

May 25th, 2007, 09:13 AM

Regent Hotels... hmm i haven't heard about them since watching the movie Pretty Woman. Im assuming that they are the same company? interesting, they seem to be a very exclusive luxury chain and its more than likely that is what Manila Bay will be getting since Regent is the only pure international chain of the Carlson group judging from their website (they own quite a line of businesses btw!)

Good News on Accor as well, that hotel in Cebu needs to be as soon as possible!!!!

-TC-

May 25th, 2007, 09:27 AM

Per article Carlson brands include Regent Hotels & Resorts, Radisson Hotels & Resorts, Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Country Inns & Suites By Carlson and Park Inn.

Accor brands include Sofitel, Grand Mercure, Novotel, Mercure, All Seasons, Ibis and Formule 1 (spelling?).

-TC-

May 28th, 2007, 02:31 PM

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/may/27/yehey/property/20070527prop1.html
Hotel is next to surge after BPO offices, condominiums
By Chino S. Leyco

THE Philippines posted a record 13,939 rooms last year, a 9.9-percent increase from the 12,683 recorded in year earlier, Trent M. Frankum, general manager of CB Richard Ellis Philippines, Inc. (CBRE) said.

But Frankum also said these additional hotel rooms are not enough to meet the growing demand for more rooms.

Citing the reports of the Philippine Travel Agencies’ Association (PTAA), he said the country has diverted over half-a-million foreign visitors to other destinations in 2006 because of facility problems in key tourist spots in the country. Owing to lack of hotel rooms and flights into the domestic tourist destinations, the tourism industry registered an income loss of $400 million.

“The accommodation capacity of Boracay and Cebu is maximized, which has become a constraint to growth and is contrary to the goals of government to increase the tourist arrivals,” Frankum said.

Although 2006 had been a good year for Philippine tourism, Frankum said “the steadily upbeat performance since 2004 must be sustained through the upgrading of infrastructure, tourism facilities and services in main tourism destinations.”

And something obviously is being done as the country is getting investments for new hotel projects.

For one, Ayala Hotels, a subsidiary of Ayala Land, partnered with Kingdom Hotels for a $153-million hotel complex within the Ayala Center. This is equivalent to 300 rooms (for Fairmont Hotel), 30 suites (for Raffles Hotel) and 189 Raffles-branded private residences to service the Makati CBD market.

Meanwhile, SM Investments is in the thick of two hotel developments and has joined forces with Carlson Hotel Asia Pacific and Accor to develop an aggregate of 350 and 400 hotel rooms for Manila and Cebu.

For the emerging business district of Alabang, the success of Bellevue Manila Hotel in Northgate Cyberzone prompted its owners to build a third 25-story tower that will provide an additional 198 deluxe rooms, at a project cost of P1.05 billion.

Other hotel projects in the pipeline are the Eastwood Park Hotel & Residential Suites, a 38-story hotel and condotel project on top of a mall complex at the heart of Eastwood City, and the proposed Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts’ six-star hotel on the 1.2-hectare property of BCDA in the Fort Bonifacio Global City.

With the marked increase in tourist arrivals in the Visayas, three international hotel and resort chains plan to set up facilities in the region—the Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts, Raffles Hotels and Resorts and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.

Future hotel developments also include the 616-room Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa, a Korean-Filipino venture that broke ground in July 2006 in Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.

“We are getting a lot of investment inquiries for hotels, resorts and even golf courses from European, Middle Eastern and Korean investors,” Frankum said.

Now, the main challenge for the property industry is to be able to present to these investors various options, which meet their investment criteria.
He added that from year 2000 to 2006, foreign travelers grew at a compounded annual rate of 20.8 percent.

“Tourist arrival in 2006 reached 2.84 million, up by 8.4 percent versus the 2.62 million in 2005,” he noted.

Frankum said the Koreans topped the list of foreign visitors to the country last year, overtaking the Americans and the Japanese. According to PTAA, the number of direct flights from Seoul to the Philippines averages 22 to 30 a week.

mahalkita

May 29th, 2007, 03:33 AM

Where did you hear that?

I also heard that

thomasian

May 29th, 2007, 04:26 AM

^^ As promised, the pic of the LRT connection to Sogo...

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/Photo_022207_022x.jpg

Sogo Sta Mesa
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/Photo_022207_001x.jpg

Sogo Sta Mesa - future expansion
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/Photo_022207_001exp.jpg

Waldenstrom

May 30th, 2007, 06:46 AM

^^ Bakit parang ang liit ng passage to Sogo? Kelangan pang yumuko nyan. :D

thomasian

May 31st, 2007, 08:24 AM

^^ Mataas 'yan, mukha lang mababa sa pic ko. Ang weird ng position nung guard. Correction pala, it's LRT V. Mapa, not Pureza.

Waldenstrom

May 31st, 2007, 08:33 AM

^^ Nice! optical illusion. jk. :D Yup, it's in V. Mapa. Thanks! =)

Wind Shear

May 31st, 2007, 05:43 PM

My take on motels.

Motels are not bad per se. Motel is actually means motorists' hotel. The purpose of the said establishment is meant to be the rest place for motorists from a long drive overnight and drive again for the next day. Now, who the hell that motels are equate with love hotels?

Another thing, the place is not motel unless there is a garage below the room.

Waldenstrom

May 31st, 2007, 06:16 PM

thomasian

May 31st, 2007, 11:15 PM

^^ Yeah, I so agree, I could see families in Sogo, with their kids, and all the rooms have cable channels+that magical xxx channel so even the kids could accidentally see those. tsk.tsk.tsk. :nono:

For Sogo, if I remember it right, there's two xxx channels, an American/Euro one and an Asian.

For the American/Euro, may picture ako, palpak pa nga sila kasi nabuko ko kung paano pinapalabas ito, look closely at the picture and you'll notice that it's being played from Windows Media Player, so computer pala yung pinanggagalingan ng xxx nila, di lang nai-full-screen ng tama kaya nabuko ko sila...

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/Photo_022207_004x.jpg

My take on motels.

Motels are not bad per se. Motel is actually means motorists' hotel. The purpose of the said establishment is meant to be the rest place for motorists from a long drive overnight and drive again for the next day. Now, who the hell that motels are equate with love hotels?

Another thing, the place is not motel unless there is a garage below the room.

It's only the Filipinos who call the establishments "Motel". Most establishments actually have after their name... hotel: Hotel Sogo, Hotel Paradis (sa upper floors ng Good Earth Emporium bldg, Rizal Ave.); inn: Aliw Inn (what a name, Aliw?!?! ), De Narra Inn, Kamagong Inn (magkalapit lang itong De Narra at Kamagong, sounds so woody); apartelle:; lodge: Anito Lodge, Cherry Lodge, King Arthur's Lodge (yung mukhang medieval na castle sa Pasig); or court: Prince Court, Sinta Court, Haran Court, Lampara Court, Victoria Court (but I think Victoria changed label now, hotel na yata). But in Sta Mesa, there are still those that call themselves motel (they're usually the older ones), but they really are the garage type, garage on the ground, then the room on the upper level.

thomasian

May 31st, 2007, 11:35 PM

http://greateasternhotelmanila.com/images/central_bg.jpg

...so after the fire, would you still agree it's the best place to stay in Manila, Philippines? For the Makati one, pwede pa, but for the Q.Ave, maybe on the old wing na lang, mas mura na, mas safe pa.

Sinjin P.

June 1st, 2007, 02:48 AM

^ At ang bagong wing pa ang nasunog sa Q. Avenue right? :shocked:

-TC-

June 1st, 2007, 02:51 AM

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/0601&022007/companies05.html

From Margaret Jao-Grey in her column Not Business As Usual in BusinessMirror today:

“… There’s a sign near Metro Manila’s international airport that a Marriott Hotel is on the rise. This will be the country’s second Marriott Hotel, which basically caters to businessmen. The first Mariott Hotel is a joint venture with Ayala Land Inc. in Cebu City…”

Sinjin P.

June 1st, 2007, 05:16 AM

^^ Yeah, I so agree, I could see families in Sogo, with their kids, and all the rooms have cable channels+that magical xxx channel so even the kids could accidentally see those. tsk.tsk.tsk. :nono:

So all rooms have those xxx channels? (kahit na ang pinakamura?) Akala ko ba kailangan pang mag-additional bayad para makakuha ng mga ganu'ng channels. (like the one in Hyatt) :D

richard24

June 1st, 2007, 05:26 AM

^^ that's newport right?

Waldenstrom

June 1st, 2007, 11:33 AM

Yes! may mga nagululuto kasing construction workers sa rooftop.

gen1

June 3rd, 2007, 12:12 PM

Yung motels na rin kasi mismo ang nagpapasira sa sarili nila. I heard from someone :D na merong rated XXX channels sa TV nila. So ano pa ba ang mangyayari di ba? Dapat linisin nila at dapat maging family friendly.

Ha,ha,ha, practically all 5-star hotels have xxx pay-per-view. selection pa of japanese, korean, english porn. price ranges from P800-1200.

never tried it though, since you can get xxx dvd at, what, 60 bucks?

Sogo Cebu kaunti lang ang selection ng porn. pero labas ka lang ng lobby sa may junquera, daghan ang selection. bwahahaha

portludlow

June 3rd, 2007, 06:02 PM

Metrobank to build RP’s tallest hotel

http://business.inquirer.net/money/breakingnews/view_article.php?article_id=69300
By Daxim Lucas
Inquirer
Last updated 10:44pm (Mla time) 06/03/2007

THE PROPERTY UNIT OF THE METROBANK GROUP plans to build the country’s tallest building which will also house a five-star hotel as part of its move to capitalize on the booming tourism business.

Sources familiar with the project revealed that Federal Land Inc. would build a 66-storey structure whose upper 20 floors would be occupied by a 350-room hotel.

The mixed-use complex would be built on the 27-hectare North Bonifacio district inside Fort Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co. owns 10.4 hectares of this property, while the remaining 16 odd hectares belong to the state-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).

The building’s lower floors would also house high-grade office space, while a pair of 40-storey residential towers would also be built beside it.

Federal Land chair Alfred Ty said the entire complex would cost approximately P20 billion.

In an interview, Tourism Sec. Ace Durano lauded the initiative, saying it would further boost the tourism industry.

“The taipans are all investing in tourism now,” he said, referring to the country’s richest Chinese-Filipino businessmen. “The fact that they’re investing in the hospitality business is a big vote of confidence.”

The Metrobank Group already has a small footprint in the tourism business through its hotel in Cebu City managed by the Marco Polo chain.

Its most recent foray into the booming sector, however, follows the move of other conglomerates, like SM Investment Corp.’s launch of its P5-billion Hamilo Coast tourism project and Ayala Land Inc.’s P7.4-billion deal with Saudi-owned Kingdom Hotel Investments for a three-hotel complex in Makati City.

“I have always said that if we couldn’t convince our own taipans to invest in tourism, then we wouldn’t be able to convince other investors to come in,” Durano said.

Once completed, the entire complex would have a total floor area of 140,000 square meters. The hotel venture is part of a master plan being developed by Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum Inc. International Ltd.

The tourism chief said that the Metrobank Group’s project would ease the problem of lack of hotel rooms, which is one of the two main bottlenecks in the industry, the other being the lack of airline seats into and out of the country.

“If we address these bottlenecks, we could easily achieve 10 to 15 million arrivals each year,” he said.

Durano pointed out that the rising number of tourist arrivals have already resulted in the smoothening out of occupancy rates in Metro Manila, virtually eliminating peaks and troughs experienced in the past.

He added that this has also resulted in the “over-utilization” of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport’s Terminal 1 by as much as 167 percent, making the opening of the mothballed Terminal 3 even more urgent.

richard24

June 3rd, 2007, 06:05 PM

^^ wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!

mukhang mauuna pa to sa lopez., :) OMG! so excited., sana maganda design!! (sana hindi tayo biguin sa design., mageexpect ako ng magandang design., since metrobank owns one of the most beatiful landmarks in makati, GT)

its now a race for the sky!!
-lopez center
-metrobank hotel(federal land)
-gramercy residences
-GA skysuites

---------------------------
nilabas na ba design ng HOK para sa north boni?
---------------
kamusta na kaya bidding ng shimao? june na ah., :)

portludlow

June 3rd, 2007, 06:10 PM

^^ there is no stopping FBGC and the Philippines sa development. :) Sino kaya ang hotel partner nila? How tall will the structure be?

JustHorace

June 3rd, 2007, 06:14 PM

^^Stunning news!

Manila is reaching for the skies - literally and in the tourism business! Beautiful news! I'm so excited to see the design!

MNL

June 3rd, 2007, 06:27 PM

^^ WOW!! :) Great news:okay:

ryanr

June 3rd, 2007, 08:36 PM

:eek: Sweet! Finally a office-hotel mix-use tower in BGC! And finally a tall proposal in BGC! Its a very exciting proposal especially since it is going to be designed by HOK (among my favorite architectural firm)!:applause:

c0kelitr0

June 4th, 2007, 11:18 AM

^^ The rendering printed on the Inquirer really looks promising!!!! I'm so excited already!

-TC-

June 4th, 2007, 03:32 PM

^^ there is no stopping FBGC and the Philippines sa development. :) Sino kaya ang hotel partner nila? How tall will the structure be?

It could be Marco Polo (the Ty's hotel partner in Cebu).

oboi

June 5th, 2007, 11:05 AM

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/anito.jpg

Wind Shear

June 5th, 2007, 02:53 PM

^^ So, Anito is basically a love hotel. Andrew E. mentioned it on his song. I forgot what is the title of the song.

-TC-

June 5th, 2007, 03:49 PM

http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=business1_june5_2007

Major hotels renovating
by Roderick T. dela Cruz
Manila Standard Today
June 5, 2007

Major hotels in the Philippines are set to start renovation works to lure more tourists and cope with increased demand, Department of Tourism officials said yesterday.

Ma. Victoria Jasmin, director of the Office of Tourism Standards, said Intercontinental Manila in Makati was investing about P330 million to refurbish its guest rooms, corridors, function rooms and other facilities while Manila Peninsula also in Makati would spend P509 million to renovate its 249 rooms, ballrooms and lobby.

Edsa Shangri-La Hotel in Mandaluyong City, meanwhile, has allocated P464 million to build its Chi Spa & Spa Training Academy.

“The hotels feel they should renovate now, so they can keep up with the trends,” Jasmin said.

She said more hotels were also expected to be constructed in the coming months, as the department was in discussion with American, Czech, and Spanish real estate developers for new projects.

She confirmed that the company of Donald Trump was actively scouting for location in the Philippines for its first hotel project in Southeast Asia.

The department, meanwhile, has endorsed for fiscal incentives the planned P7.65-billion joint venture hotel projects in Makati City of Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Alsaud and Ayala Land Inc.

Jasmin said Alwaleed’s Kingdom Hotel Investment committed the largest foreign investment amounting to P3.06 billion in the Philippine tourism sector in the first quarter of the year.

Ayala Land will infuse the balance of P4.59 billion.

Jasmin, who is in charge of endorsing to the Board of Investments the qualified tourism projects planning to avail of fiscal incentives, said Khi-Ali Manila Inc., the joint venture company, will put up 300-room Fairmont Hotel, 30-suite Raffles Hotel, and 189-room Raffles-branded service apartment in a 7,377-sq. m. property at the corner of Makati Avenue and Arnaiz Avenue.

Tourism projects approved by the Board of Investments can avail of fiscal incentives such as four- to six-year income tax holiday and duty-free importation of capital equipment.

Tourism Secretary Joseph Durano said that on top of the Khi-Ali investments, other hotels were opening or expanding to provide additional 3,000 rooms this year.

About 1,000 of these rooms will be located in Boracay and most of them will be in Metro Manila.

The department last year also endorsed the already operational P1.5-billion Crowne Plaza Galleria in Mandaluyong, the P500-million modernization of Dusit Hotel Nikko in Makati, the P1.128-billion expansion of Bellevue Manila in Alabang, the P800-million expansion of Great Eastern Hotel in Quezon City, the construction of the P1.4-billion Eastwood Park Hotel, and the P2.656-billion Manila Marriot Hotel in Pasay City.

Dvorak

June 5th, 2007, 03:55 PM

kala ko ba wala na yang Intercon sa bagong Map nang Ayala center.. eh bakit mag re renovate pa pala?

-TC-

June 5th, 2007, 04:11 PM

kala ko ba wala na yang Intercon sa bagong Map nang Ayala center.. eh bakit mag re renovate pa pala?

I assume that Ayala's plan for the Intercon area maybe many years into the future pa.

pau_p1

June 6th, 2007, 04:35 AM

Intercon signed a 5year extension to their lease... that is according to my cousin who works in a resto at Intercon...

bustero

June 6th, 2007, 10:07 AM

yup sounds like it, minor renovation di pan nila alam ko papapano itake full advantage iyung lot sayang rin baka philippines tallest building uli di ok

thomasian

June 6th, 2007, 01:23 PM

^^ Yes. Whala, Sta Mesa place ko, kaya nga minsan ang kulit ng reaction ng mga tao pag nabanggit ko na yung address ko, eh di naman kami sobrang lapit sa Motel row in Sta Mesa, sa Altura kami, boundary na yun ng Sampaloc.

rustyboi

June 6th, 2007, 02:58 PM

-TC-

June 8th, 2007, 12:37 PM

The future Marriot Hotel in Newport City... pic courtesy of @TheRick..

http://www.readyforoccupancy.com/NP-4.jpg

MNL

June 22nd, 2007, 07:05 PM

I like the revolving top! Looks really cool!

-TC-

June 27th, 2007, 04:56 PM

DOT expects brisk hotel dev’t to boost tourism
By Elizabeth Sanchez-Lacson
Inquirer
06/27/2007

The Department of Tourism expects hotel development to be brisk in the coming years with at least two big-ticket hotel projects starting this year.

Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano told participants in a Philippine Business Mission in Tokyo last Friday that he was expecting 3,000 additional hotel rooms to be made available this year in Cebu, Bohol, Boracay and Palawan. Of these, 1,000 will be in Cebu.

Data from the DOT website showed that as of September last year, there were 28,742 hotel rooms in the country, of which DOT-accredited hotels accounted for 26,247.

The two major hotel projects cited by Durano were the P3-billion The Imperial Waterpark Resort and Spa in Mactan and the P1-billion Boracay Shangri-la Hotel and Resort.

The 600-room Imperial Waterpark, which is owned by a Korean group, hopes to bring state-of-the-art water park technology to the Philippines.
Boracay Shangri-la Hotel and Resort, which will open next year, will bring in additional 200 rooms.

Last year, the DOT approved P93.8 billion worth of investments in the hotel and resort sector. Another P9.52 billion worth of such projects were approved in the first quarter of the year.

One of the DOT’s programs is to promote the Philippines to Japanese travel agents through business missions, a series of plenary presentations, tabletop discussions and individual meetings organized in Japan’s three largest cities, Osaka, Nagoya and Tokyo.

“Growth of foreign arrivals is highly dependent on the pace of capacity expansion. Our target of 5 million tourists by 2010 is a battlecry. Our main objective is to continuously grow the sector because tourism development is a long-term program. Thailand took 20 to 25 years to get to where they are,” Durano added.

Another project expected to boost tourism in the Philippines is mall tycoon Henry Sy’s massive eco-tourism estate in Batangas called Hamilo Coast.

SM Investments Corp.(SMIC), Sy’s holding company for his banking, leisure, retail investments, said it was pouring P5 to P6 billion over the next five years to pursue the first phase of its titanic 5,800 hectare Hamilo Coast beach resort community in Nasugbu, Batangas.

Durano also noted that a new convention center would rise at the center of Mall of Asia in Pasay. The 42,500 -square -meter SMX Convention Center will be accessible to a new hotel in the SM Bay City to be developed by
Carlson Hotels Asia Pacific.

Carlson will develop and manage a 350-room property in SM Bay City.
Carlson brands include Regent Hotels & Resorts, Radisson Hotels and Resorts and Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts.

Ayala Land Inc. said it was building a 300-room Fairmont Hotel, a 30-suite Raffles hotel and a 189 Raflles-branded private residences in Makati in partnership with Dubai’s leading hotel and resort developer, Kingdom Hotel Investments.

The Metrobank Group had also announced plans to construct the country’s tallest building, which will house a five-star hotel, in Fort Bonifacio Global City, Durano said.

Federal Land Inc. will build a 66-story structure whose upper 20 floors would be occupied by a 350-room hotel.

The mixed-use complex would be built on the 27-hectare North Bonifacio district inside Fort Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

Federal Land chair Alfred Ty had said the entire complex would cost P20 billion.

thomasian

June 29th, 2007, 11:04 AM

From the SM BayCity thread...

Sy- Side Hotel
By Victor Agustin
29 Jun 2007
Source: Manila Standard

The humongous Mall of Asia will get its first hotel ironically not from mall owner Henry Sy Sr. out from a cherry- picking niche player, the Microtel chain. According to the grapevine, a 150 room Microtel will groundbrake (ha? -aaron) by the third quarter beside the seaside church right across the Sy mall, and construction is being rushed so it could open in 10 months. Actually, the Sy's will still be a partner of sorts to the flagship Microtel project since the taipan still owns the land in which the 15- storey hotel will be built, with Microtel leasing the property for 30 years.

The local Microtel chain is being run by Jose Mari del Rosario- the better of the Del Rosario brothers, if you ask the Lucio Tan camp- with elder brother former Finance Secretary Ramon del Rosario Jr., overseeing the hotel chain under the Phinma Group as chairman. Even before its July 8 opening, Microtel Mall of Asia is already assured of of a captive market since the 42, 500 square-meter SMX convention Center right across it shall have already opened by December.

-TC-

July 12th, 2007, 09:01 AM

http://business.inquirer.net/money/breakingnews/view_article.php?article_id=76161

Edsa Shangri-La spending P512M on upgrade
By Ronnel Domingo
Inquirer
07/12/2007

The Board of Investments (BoI) has approved tax incentives for two projects of Edsa Shangri-La Hotel & Resort Inc. worth a total of P512.1 million.

Edsa Shangri-La will refurbish a wing of its hotel in the Ortigas Center and put up a spa to cater to the wellness market.

BoI data show that Edsa Shangri-La is investing P385.63 million to modernize and upgrade its Garden Wing and the Horizon Club Lounge, which have a combined 192 rooms.

The upgrade involves the renovation and complete overhaul of the rooms and lounges with new furniture and fixtures, carpet, lighting and other facilities.

A separate private check-in system that would bypass the main lobby access would be installed for the Garden Wing, which would have a tropical theme, with the rooms offering amenities like in-room pay-per-view movies, facsimile and private phone line.

As for the Horizon Club Lounge, which include the top three executive floors of the wing, would be upgraded to offer still better accommodation, personalized service and “exclusive privileges tailor-fit” for guests.

This upgrade qualified for BoI incentives under the 2006 Investment Priorities Plan as a modernization project for a tourist accommodation facility.

The other project, worth P126.5 million, involves the operation of a hotel spa with 10 treatment rooms including two suites for couples with hydro room and outdoor terrace, two single suites, and six single rooms without spa bathing tubs.

According to Edsa Shangri-La, the spa would offer its signature Chi therapies that “assist the body’s natural renewal” and are combined with exercise, stretching, massage, hydrotherapy, life enhancement programs and movement of the mind through relaxation and meditation.”

The investment also covers additional amenities for guests, such as a spa bar for light refreshments and a meditation lounge.

The Chi Spa qualified for BoI incentives as an activity related to healthcare and wellness products and services.

TheRick

July 19th, 2007, 09:33 PM

http://www.readyforoccupancy.com/NP-10.jpg
Marriot Hotel Front (Newport City)

http://www.readyforoccupancy.com/NP-11.jpg
Marriot Hotel Side (Newport City)

http://www.readyforoccupancy.com/NP-12.jpg
Marriot Hotel with Newport City Montecito Condo

-TC-

September 5th, 2007, 07:50 PM

Kuwaiti and Chinese leisure property developers keen on doing business in the country
BusinessWorld
September 6, 2007

(for full article: http://www.bworldonline.com/BW090607/content.php?id=043)

As this developed, Shanghai-based property giant Shimao Group has firmed up plans to develop a high-end hotel and mixed-use buildings in the Bonifacio Global City area, the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) said yesterday.

In a talk with reporters, BCDA President Narciso L. Abaya said his agency was only awaiting proposals from Shimao for the development of a 7.4-hectare lot in North Bonifacio and a 35 to 40-ha. Joint US Military Assistance Group (JUSMAG) area.

"As is the policy, we will have to have a competitive selection, bidding or a modified bidding like a Swiss challenge... if the offer is a non-solicited proposal. The terms of reference are now being worked out by the government on how to conduct the joint venture," he said.

Trade Secretary Peter B. Favila earlier announced BCDA, which oversees development of former military lands, was discussing a $2-billion investment deal with Shimao.

In March, the BCDA inked a memorandum of understanding with the group to jointly develop prime areas in the Bonifacio Global City area near the Makati business district.

"We own the land they (Shimao) will develop it. As part of the criterion for selecting the best offer, we will be very particular about the project cost or the amount of investment since these are prime lands," Mr. Abaya said.

Shimao is expected to submit its proposal for the 7.4-ha. North Bonifacio lot by November and early next year for the JUSMAG property. Prebidding conference is slated for Sept. 10.

Mr. Abaya earlier described the partnership with the Shimao Group to be among the largest in property development in the Philippines. This, he had said, could make Global City an international business district.

Shimao Group Chairman Hui Wing Mau, in a visit in Manila early this year, said his company would be investing $2-$4 billion in a high-end hotel and mixed-use buildings in Global City, which used to be part of a military base.

Forbes Magazine ranked Mr. Hui as the second-richest person in China in 2002. The 2007 Forbes.com list of the world’s billionaires ranked him 249th.

Shimao Group owns 10 luxury hotels in China, including Shanghai hotels Le Meridian, Royal Meridien — which at 66 floors is the tallest structure in Shanghai — and Grand Hyatt.

Traded on the Hong Kong stock exchange, the Shimao Group has an inventory of more than 20 million square meters of luxury offices and residential condominiums and continues to build an average of four million square meters a year. — R.A.M. Rubio and Bernardette S. Sto. Domingo

mambo

September 6th, 2007, 08:36 AM

most probably it will a grand hyatt or le royal meridien

3cr

September 7th, 2007, 10:15 AM

I'm excited about these 2 possible 6 Star Hotels in Fort Boni! Exciting times for BGC! :banana:

Shangri-La group plans 6-star hotel in Taguig
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/42858/Shangri-La-group-plans-6-star-hotel-in-Taguig

The Philippines' Bases Conversion and Development Authority on Thursday announced that the Hong Kong based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts group has made known its interest in building a six-star luxury hotel inside Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City.

BCDA President and CEO Narciso Abaya said the site of Shangri-La for the project is the 1.2-hectare lot owned by the government beside the City Center of the Bonifacio Global City.

The lot, formerly known as the Government Center for Investment, is also the area being eyed by the real-estate and entertainment tycoon Donald Trump for a planned integrated complex project.

Abaya said Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts Vice President Greg Dogan revealed its plan to build a six-star hotel in the area during a preliminary presentation made by the company before the BCDA Board on May 15.

BCDA Chairman Aloysius Santos, however, clarified that despite the presentation, no commitment has been made by both parties.

“No decision has been made. The BCDA Board is mapping out an action plan for a transparent competitive selection process among the interested proponents," Santos said.

Santos said Shangri-La Group's plan is a welcome development in the overall development of the Bonifacio Global City.

Abaya said the signified interest of both Shangri-la and Trump groups for the 1.2 hectare lot at the Bonifacio Global City manifests sustained solid investor confidence in the developments in the area.

The Bonifacio Global City is located only a few minutes away from the Makati and Ortigas Central Business Districts, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and major thoroughfares like C-5.

The Global City also has world-class infrastructure including an underground drainage detention structure with the capacity to hold 22 million liters of water and release it under controlled conditions to prevent floods. It also has a fiber optic cabling network to support a wide range of telephone, video and data applications.

The Shimao Group of China is also eyeing a 7-hectare property inside Fort Bonifacio for its hotel-residential-retail complex.

_____________________________________

Top Chinese realtor keen on Fort Boni land
By Katrina Mennen A. Valdez Reporter
Manila Times
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/sept/06/yehey/business/20070906bus7.html

Shimao Group, China’s top real estate and hotel developer, will bid for two properties in Fort Bonifacio Global City, Bases Conversion and Development Authority announced Wednesday.

Retired general and BCDA President Narciso Abaya told reporters that the Shanghai-based company has expressed serious interest in joining the bid for some 40 hectares of land inside the Jusmag compound at Fort Bonifacio.

He said Shimao plans to invest at least $2 billion for hotel development and mixed-use buildings and will be submitting its proposal by early next year.

Shimao will also bid for the 7.4-hectare land in North Bonifacio and will submit its proposal in November this year. “They are planning to construct a six-star hotel, office buildings and residential buildings,” Abaya said.

Meanwhile, the BCDA’s cumulative earnings reached P38.294 billion in a span of 15 years up to last month. Of the amount, 80 percent, or P30.360 billion were earned through the Fort Bonifacio Development Corp., while 12 percent of which valued at P4.784 billion was generated from lease and joint ventures. The remaining 5 percent, or P1.9 billion were proceeds from the sale of properties at the Fort Bonifacio and other camps managed by the BCDA, while securitization raised P1.245 billion.

Abaya said 43 percent of the earnings amounting to P16,437-billion fund the modernization programs of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, 18 percent, or P6.764 billion goes to the site development and relocation expenses and 6 percent, or P2.335 billion was allotted for tax and fees. BCDA gets 15 percent of the earnings or P5.822 billion, while the other 15 percent, or P5.90 billion is distributed to other agencies.

This year, BCDA expects to complete 59 projects as compared with last year’s 51 projects. These projects include residential developments such as the Serendra, Forbeswood Heights, Kensington, Bellagio, Fariways, South of Market and Fifth Avenue Place, and office buildings such as Net Square, HSBC Building, Hanjin Philippines, and the Singapore Chancery.

_________________________________________

China’s Shimao eyes 2 BCDA lots in Boni
By Ronnel Domingo
Inquirer
Last updated 04:38am (Mla time) 09/06/2007
http://business.inquirer.net/money/breakingnews/view_article.php?article_id=86977

China’s real estate giant Shanghai Shimao group is vying for a joint venture with the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA on two properties for the development of “high-end, mixed-use” projects, BCDA president and chief executive Narciso Abaya said.

The properties include a 7.4-hectare lot where Shimao is planning to invest $2 billion to build hotels, condominiums, offices and a commercial complex, Abaya said.

Abaya said Shimao was also looking at the 35-40 hectare area known as the Jusmag housing area from which retired Armed Forces officials have been evicted after an ownership dispute.

He said the Chinese firm was expected to submit a project proposal for the 7.4-hectare lot by November while another proposal for the larger parcel of land was expected next year.

Abaya clarified that joint venture agreements on both properties would go through bidding or a Swiss challenge, in line with a government policy that requires a competitive process for selecting government partners.

The National Economic and Development Authority “is currently working on the terms of reference” on how to enter into joint ventures like the one proposed, he added.

The Jusmag (Joint United States Military Assistance Group) area -- so-called because it was originally a housing project for the American agency which declined to take it -- was recently the subject of an ownership dispute between BCDA and a homeowners’ association comprised of the wives of retired Armed Forces officials.

The Supreme Court ruled in favor of BCDA, which is preparing to appraise the area toward eventual disposition of the asset through a joint venture with a private company.

Last May, Abaya said Shimao chair Hui Wing Mao personally reiterated his serious and firm interest in investing in Fort Bonifacio during a recent meeting with BCDA officials in Hong Kong that month.

Abaya said Shimao is a world-class, fast-paced developer that could finish a 900-room twin-tower luxury hotel in 18 months, as what they did with the Hyatt Hotel at the Bund in Shanghai.

BCDA chairman Aloysius Santos had said that Shimao’s entry into the domestic setting would set a new standard in real estate development in the Philippines.

The China visit by Santos and Abaya was made upon the invitation of Hui, who came to Manila last March to sign a memorandum of understanding with the BCDA on a joint development of a sizable portion of land at the Global City.

Abaya said this was one of the biggest partnerships of the government for property development in 2007, which would further boost the asset disposition program of BCDA and enhance its revenue-generating capability.[/QUOTE]

bustero

September 8th, 2007, 04:26 AM

This should be moved to the real estate discussion subforum , not a specific project.

Mods

3cr

September 12th, 2007, 09:01 AM

Fort Bonifacio has it's first Hotel in the bag! :banana: :banana: :banana:

5-star hotel to rise in Bonifacio
By Ronnel Domingo
Inquirer
http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view_article.php?article_id=87188

MANILA, Philippines -- Fort Bonifacio Development Corp. and a property developer have agreed in principle to put up a five-star hotel that will cost up to $250 million in the Bonifacio Global City prime development area near the Makati business district, the government’s Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) said.

Narciso Abaya, president of BCDA, which has a 45-percent stake in Fort Bonifacio Development, said the hotel would help boost a BCDA drive to encourage high-end tourist facilities in Bonifacio Global City.

Abaya declined to identify the hotel developer, saying the BCDA agreed to keep details confidential.

“We cannot talk about it for now, but the investment will range between $150 million and $250 million,” he said.

“We expect more high-end development activities to come in because of a project like this,” he added.

Abaya also said construction of a branch of St. Luke’s Medical Center in Bonifacio Global City was in full swing and the hospital would be operational by 2009.

“St. Luke’s will be a modern facility that would cater to local residents and people from all over the world,” he said.

Another project in Bonifacio Global City, formerly part of a military base, is a building for business process outsourcing companies, with a gross floor area of 30,000 square meters. A 31-story tower is also expected to be completed by 2010, under an agreement in which the Philippine Stock Exchange will put its two trading floors -- in Makati and in the Ortigas business district -- under one roof, Abaya said.

Completed or ongoing residential projects include Serendra, Forbeswood Heights, Kensington, Bellagio, Fairways, South of Market, and Fifth Avenue Place. Office buildings include Net Square, HSBC Building, Hanjin Philippines’ building, and the Singapore Chancery.

Abaya said an upswing in the real estate industry was sustaining the rapid growth of development in Bonifacio Global City.

Other projects in the former military base involve retail developments like the Bonifacio High Street, which is “on high gear, having completed seven buildings for retail tenants,” he said.

BCDA vice president Aileen Zosa said the BCDA was encouraging high-end projects such as hotels of at least five-star rating. She said China’s real estate development giant Shanghai Shimao group had expressed interest to develop a six-star hotel in the Bonifacio Global City.

-TC-

September 12th, 2007, 04:29 PM

This should be moved to the real estate discussion subforum , not a specific project.

Mods,

IMO, this thread may be renamed "THE PHILIPPINE HOTEL INDUSTRY" and moved to "The Economy, Industry and Development" subforum.

kiretoce

September 13th, 2007, 03:14 AM

Merged this thread with one that was already in existence and moved it to this subforum. :okay:

santoloco

September 16th, 2007, 12:16 AM

http://www.kingdomhotels.com/images/id_fmrfmakati.jpg
proposed rendering of fairmont makati hotel. found it from the kingdom hotels website. http://www.kingdomhotels.com/indevelopment.html#fmrfmakati

im not sure if this is the final design.

MakatiBoy

November 4th, 2007, 05:59 AM

Marine-themed Mall and Hotel

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2062/1850022839_28e0b887e1.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2389/1850001861_4c171ec878.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2340/1850236139_64e73972af.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2035/1851059506_29a3171f51.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2034/1851059774_a29159f25a.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2076/1850236971_66206ea11c.jpg?v=0

crispypata

November 6th, 2007, 01:20 AM

Hope this project materialize so that we will have more options for hotels in the city. The Philippines has a huge potential..

crispypata

November 6th, 2007, 07:49 AM

By the way, Any news about the new Crown Regency Suites along Arnaiz? near Slimmers Wolrd facing Glorietta 2? :) Its a refurbished building. Mukhang maganda.

LhexiMont

November 6th, 2007, 05:38 PM

Bellevue Manila hotel in Filinvest Alabang , expansion tower is now on its 2nd level , it will be at least 21 levels of additional hotel rooms for the 18-storey first tower .

lightsaber46

November 8th, 2007, 06:25 AM

Manila auctions off Grand Boulevard Hotel
By Evelyn Macairan
Thursday, November 8, 2007

In just 20 minutes, the Manila City government auctioned off the Grand Boulevard Hotel (GBH) yesterday to recover the P106 million in real property taxes owed by the hotel management.

Manila City Legal Officer Renato dela Cruz, who is the chairman of the committee on public auction, said the Pacific Wide Realty and Development Corp. (PWRDC) bought the 6,444.10-square meter property for P106,650,000.

Dela Cruz said the GBH owed the city government P106,636,789 in real estate taxes and another P70 million in unpaid mayor’s permit and business permit, or a total of P176 million. The auction only covered their real property tax liability.

Dela Cruz said the city government will try to recover the balance of P70 million through the GBH’s other assets. “We would run after other properties of Grand Boulevard. Little by little we are recovering the amounts long overdue us. We need the money too badly. This (amount) would go to the general fund of the city to finance projects.”

City Treasurer Liberty Toledo said the P106 million real property tax liability is a small amount compared to the market value of the hotel, estimated to be worth P538 million. She said the city government earned P13,210.20 from the floor price.

“This is a good way to raise revenue for the city. This sends a strong message to pay taxes properly. This would also make taxpayers become more aware of their responsibilities to the city and they have to pay up,” she said.

Apart from owing the Manila City government, GBH reportedly also incurred other debts but it appeared that PWRDC already paid off 90 percent of the hotel’s creditors.

Under the law, the GBH management could still regain ownership of the establishment. “I will issue a certificate of sale to the winning bidder and Grand Boulevard would be furnished a copy of the certificate but they would still have one year to redeem or pay us to get back the hotel. They would also have to pay the two percent monthly interest,” Toledo said.

The PWRDC will own the hotel, including the machines and improvements in the structure.

crispypata

November 12th, 2007, 01:38 AM

May restraining order na yata dito..

JudeD

November 12th, 2007, 07:14 PM

Presenting... all the expat general managers of deluxe hotels in the country on the cover (3 different covers!) of Expat magazine! (or almost all, Dusit GM declined, Crowne Plaza GM was unavailable)

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa305/judedefensor/EXPAT3rdissueCOVER_Page_5.jpg

Hilton Cebu's Peter Pedersen, Marco Polo Plaza's Hans Hauri, Shangri-La Mactan's Timothy Wright, Cebu Marriott's Roy Abraham, Camp John Hay Manor's Heiner Maulbecker

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa305/judedefensor/EXPAT3rdissueCOVER_Page_3.jpg

Sofitel Philippine Plaza's Bernd Schneider, Hyatt Manila's Gottfried Bogensperger, Traders Hotel's Andrea Mastellone, Waterfront Manila Pavilion's Christopher Park, Heritage Hotel's Eddie Yeo, Pan Pacific Hotel's Richard Masselin

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa305/judedefensor/EXPAT3rdissueCOVER_Page_1.jpg

Mandarin Oriental's Helmut Gaisberger, Makati Shangri-La 's Greg Dogan, Peninsula Manila's David Batchelor, Edsa Shangri-La's Christopher Chia, Renaissance Makati's Stephan Stoss, InterContinental Manila's Christian Pirodon

JudeD

November 12th, 2007, 07:16 PM

Expat Communications, Inc., publishers of weekly newspaper, What’s On & Expat, and What’s On The Philippine Guide, comes out with the 3rd issue of Expat Travel & Lifestyle, a 160-page glossy, oversized magazine – and the first publication devoted to expat life in the Philippines.

The latest issue has the theme “Five Star Living & the Season of Giving” and boasts of an unprecedented three-page fold out cover with three unique layouts, a first in local publishing. The covers feature the general managers from top hotels in Metro Manila, Cebu and Baguio, sharing the scene with children from the Virlanie foundation. This special holiday issue has a special focus on philanthropy in the country and includes articles about and a directory of charitable institutions in order for readers to know who and how to get in touch with should they be interested in sending donations or aid this season.

Published quarterly, Expat Travel & Lifestyle is a must-read for expats and people with a passion for life in the Philippines. Regular sections include foreign and local travel (Petra in Jordan, Borobudur in Indonesia, eco-tourism in Northern Palawan and the Tuna Festival in General Santos City in this issue), business, home and real estate, life and culture, health and sports, shopping, dining, events and so much more.

Readers will also get insightful and often times amusing looks at life in the Philippines through columnists such as award-winning journalists Murray Hertz and Rosalinda Orosa, travel writer and producer of award-winning films Christine Dayrit, hip business mavens Greg Kittelson and Amanda Carpo, and longtime expat and socialite Marit Yuchengco, to name just a few.

Says editor Jude Defensor: “Our growing stable of contributors, both expat and local, have gone and explored the country and beyond to bring you their tales of interesting places, people, and experiences. We also hope to help guide you through the mad rush of the holiday season by offering a roadmap to navigating the many things to do, see, eat and shop for during this merry time.”

Expat Travel & Lifestyle is exclusively distributed by Emerald Headway Distributors, Inc., and is now available at magazine stands, bookstores supermarkets and other retail outlets. For subscriptions, call: (02) 647-4744 or 647-4766 or email: ehdi@pldtdsl.net. Grab a copy today!

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa305/judedefensor/3expat36.jpg

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa305/judedefensor/3ednote.jpg

crispypata

November 14th, 2007, 07:28 AM

Ang cute..

jcb

November 14th, 2007, 01:16 PM

kasama rin si sir park ng manila pav. dati kasi ako dun nag-wowork

richard24

November 19th, 2007, 09:25 AM

ask ko lang, san exactly ang G Hotel? alam ko sa roxas blvd yun diba?

thomasian

November 19th, 2007, 09:34 AM

^^ Tabi nung saradong Admiral Hotel.

jcb

November 19th, 2007, 02:59 PM

yup na sa roxas blvd. i remember the time na nag-oojt pa ako sa manila pavilion most of their deparment head and supervisor sa hotel naman nagtratraining isa sa na alala ko isa ay sa Income audit section dun kasi me naka assign pati dun sa butchery section.

crispypata

November 21st, 2007, 08:55 AM

Gilarmi: It takes more than Tiu to tango
Cocktales

November 21, 2007

THE historic Gilarmi Apartments on Ayala Avenue may see its last Christmas and New Year this year, if the Tiu family are confident that the investment stars are finally all aligned.

Ben Tiu, chairman of TKC Steel Corp and Sterling Bank, confirmed that their family may finally have to push through with their pre-Asian currency crisis plan to redevelop the 45-year-old, 11-story building and finally build a high-rise, luxury condominium-hotel in the strategic property.

But the final go-ahead will have to come from his younger brother Ruben, who is in charge of Gilarmi and four other Tiu hotels under the Mansion Group, as well as the Discovery Suites Group.

Originally owned by businessman Virgilio Hilario, Gilarmi was named after his son, Gil, and wife, Armi Kuusela, the Finnish beauty queen who won the first Miss Universe title.
The Tius acquired Gilarmi, the first serviced apartment in Asia, in 1990 from the widowed Kuusela.

According to the grapevine, aside from firming up the funding sources for what would become the family’s flagship hotel project, the Tius are also trying to validate their market projections as to the demand for another luxury hotel in Makati, considering that the Ayalas are simultaneously launching two, six-star hotels just across the block.

crispypata

November 21st, 2007, 08:56 AM

From Cocktales...

The Concepcions plan to refurbish the shuttered Admiral Hotel on Roxas Boulevard and, at the same time, build a high-rise residential condominium behind the historic hotel.

great184

November 23rd, 2007, 05:37 PM

Great to hear that the old Admiral Hotel will be operational soon :)

thomasian

November 23rd, 2007, 06:08 PM

From Cocktales...

The Concepcions plan to refurbish the shuttered Admiral Hotel on Roxas Boulevard and, at the same time, build a high-rise residential condominium behind the historic hotel.

Could the Admiral be part of the high-rise development, like becoming it's lobby, amenity area, etc.? Or they'll be two different developments?

normandb

November 25th, 2007, 07:11 PM

Manila Prince Hotel? not a very popular hotel.

crispypata

November 26th, 2007, 04:09 AM

Could the Admiral be part of the high-rise development, like becoming it's lobby, amenity area, etc.? Or they'll be two different developments?

Parang yung orchid Garden Suites sa may Vito Cruz. They built a 15 story building tapos an ancestral house is the lobby tsaka function rooms.

thomasian

November 26th, 2007, 05:18 AM

^^ Yup, ang galing nung concept. The old house being used as the welcoming accent of the hotel. It's one of the best examples of adaptive reuse of old houses.

crispypata

November 26th, 2007, 10:01 AM

^^ Yup, ang galing nung concept. The old house being used as the welcoming accent of the hotel. It's one of the best examples of adaptive reuse of old houses.

And it worked for them. Maganda yung old charm ng bahay. Well sana nga ganun ang gawin nila sa Admiral Hotel.

We terribly need more hotels in the Philippines!

crispypata

November 28th, 2007, 05:39 AM

Malaysian to put up hotel in Makati

By Elizabeth Sanchez-Lacson
Inquirer
Last updated 06:34am (Mla time) 11/28/2007

MANILA, Philippines -- Malaysian property firm IGB Corp. Berhad broke ground Tuesday for a P750-million business-class hotel at the corner of Makati and Kalayaan avenues in the Makati business district.

Company officials said the hotel would have 415 rooms on 29 floors.

The hotel will be developed by St. Giles Hotel Manila Inc., a local company put up by IGB Corp. for its hotel investment in the Philippines. Cititel Hotel Management (CHM), the hotel management arm of IGB Corp., will run the hotel.

“Makati is very vibrant. Tourist growth will continue, specially the business travelers market,” said Seng Yong Chua, president of St. Giles Hotel Manila.

“The occupancy rate in Makati is very healthy. The St. Giles brand is an existing United Kingdom brand" of the IGB Group, CHM managing director Dato Eric Lim said.

The hotel will feature conference and function rooms and amenities like a pool and restaurants.

Construction will start in January and completion is targeted for December 2009.

IGB Corp. owns the Renaissance and the Boulevard hotels in Kuala Lumpur, the New World Saigon in Vietnam, the Pangkor Island Beach Resort and Cititel hotels in Malaysia and the MiCasa hotel apartments in Myanmar.

IGB also owns two hotels under the St. Giles brand in London and Heathrow, which company officials described as two of the United Kingdom’s biggest three-star hotels. With INQUIRER.net

-TC-

December 17th, 2007, 06:13 PM

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g227/tcc_0888/Fairmont%20Raffles/img_fhr_rfl_makati.jpg

http://www.bworldonline.com/BW121207/content.php?id=042

ALI transfers prime property to joint-venture firm

BusinessWorld
December 12, 2007

THE COUNTRY’S largest property developer Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI) will transfer the legal title of its 7,377-square-meter property at Ayala Center in Makati City to KHI-ALI Manila, Inc., the joint-venture company it formed with Dubai-based hospitality group Kingdom Hotel Investments, Inc. (KHI).

ALI said the property, located at Arnaiz and Makati Avenues, is valued at P1.76 billion.

The property is currently being used by Ansons department store, Park Square 2, and the public transport terminal.

"The assignor (ALI) is the registered owner of a parcel of land located at the Ayala Center, Makati City which it intends to convey and assign to the assignee (KHI-ALI Manila) for the purpose of enabling the assignee to develop thereon a mixed-use residential and hotel condominium project," read the deed of conveyance entered into by ALI and KHI-ALI Manila.

Yesterday, ALI shares closed unchanged at P16.

The assignment of the parcel of land will be in exchange for the issuance of stocks out of KHI-ALI Manila’s authorized capital stock.

The Securities and Exchange Commission gave its nod to KHI-ALI Manila to boost its authorized capital stock to P382.49 million from P1 million.
ALI subscribed to 25% of the P381.45-million net increase.

The company amended its articles of incorporation to accommodate the capital increase at a special meeting held last Oct. 29.

Last March, ALI disclosed plans to develop with KHI the 7,377-square-meter property into a luxury hotel complex. Development costs are estimated to hit $153 million.

The development will include the construction of a 300-room Fairmont Hotel, a 30-suite Raffles Hotel, and 189 Raffles private residences.

Founded and headed by Saudi Arabian Prince Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Alsaud, KHI has an underlying portfolio consisting of 33 hotels. Of these, 19 are operational and 14 under development.

-TC-

December 17th, 2007, 06:17 PM

I am glad that Picar will still use Jerde designs for the 50-storey 5-star hotel and residential condo. At least these 2 structures will not stick out like a sore thumb beside Century City. We will just have to wait for the release of the renderings to be sure and hopefully we won't be disappointed.

Latest renderings...

In daylight without the hotel (lower left corner):

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g227/tcc_0888/Gramercy/gramercynew07small.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g227/tcc_0888/Gramercy/gramercynew03small.jpg

At night without the hotel (lower left corner):

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g227/tcc_0888/Gramercy/gramercynew01small.jpg

^^ This would explain why the hotel was taken out of the renderings for "Century City"...

Philstar yesterday, Business Section:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b358/thomasian/Century-Picar.gif

Now who said break-ups are a bad thing? Sometimes, break-ups happen for good! A 50-storey hotel and a 50-storey condo aint bad!

crispypata

December 18th, 2007, 12:52 AM

great!

Jarvijarv

December 21st, 2007, 08:28 AM

^^i hope this possible Picar 50 story hotel turns out to be a JW Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons/Regent(think this is going to MOA) or Grand Hyatt(think this is going to FBGC)...we're the only major Asian metropolis lacking these Western luxury chain hotels.

OtAkAw

December 21st, 2007, 05:21 PM

^^Sooner or later papasok din sa Philippine market ang mga yan... Prospects are great for the country.

benchjade

December 28th, 2007, 08:11 AM

The future Marriot Hotel in Newport City... pic courtesy of @TheRick..

where is newport city?

thomasian

December 28th, 2007, 08:36 AM

Near the Villamor Airbase, near the Airports hence the name.

thomasian

January 4th, 2008, 03:25 PM

01.04.08

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/100_0570x.jpg

Ady001

January 5th, 2008, 10:30 AM

Which is better... Hotel Paradis, Hotel Mokko, Hotel SOGO, or Victoria Court?

LhexiMont

January 7th, 2008, 07:52 AM

Ano ano na ang mga hotels na currently ay under construction na within Metro Manila ?

terrapinoy

January 10th, 2008, 01:12 AM

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2398/2181120911_720c53a365.jpg

metrosuburban

January 11th, 2008, 07:16 PM

^^ by next year, it will be celebrating it's 40th birthday

Quote
Margie T Logarta described her stay in the InterContinental in Manila in her review in the November Issue of Business Traveller Asia Pacific. She began her review with a short summary of the history of this 38 year old property. Instead of the original plan to tear it down and redevelop, the owner family decided that "this institution had to be kept and maintained". The new design after a six million dollar refurbishment is described as "warm contemporary". She mentioned in her report that many of the members of staff were retained and they "provide the familiarity InterCon Manila's long-standing clientele yearns for".
The hotel is location in the Makati CBD, where many major banks "established their head offices" and it's also the "gateway to myriad opportunities to shop". The airport is 30 minutes away, as the author mentioned in her review. The rooms follow in its design a "palette of earth tones and showcase a walnut finish in the detailing", esp. in contrast to the "whitewashed walls", which appear "cool". She pointed out the room features like flat screen TV, High speed broadband internet. She mentioned the two restaurants of the hotel, one which "attracts a loyal crowd" and is "well known".
She also noticed the executive lounge on the 14th floor of the hotel with "lively colours of the carpet, spacious sitting area" and two workstations for a quick e-mail check.
The breakfast buffet is described as "extensive" by the author.
The author mentioned the pool and the gym, but did not review them further. She closed her review with the verdict that "refreshed surroundings, unbeatable location and well-honed service manners present a business traveller's dream"

(Margie T Logarta in Business Traveller Asia Pacific, Tried and Tested, November 2007, P. 29)

so the refurbishment means hindi na pala gigibain ang hotel...

mambo

January 13th, 2008, 09:29 AM

jst like the manila pen they opt to refurbish the hotel internally and kept the old buuilding , kahit pa sabihin nating maganda ang loob ng manila pen the old hotel really pales in comparison to its neighbour the imposing makati shangri-la

Yankees27

January 13th, 2008, 12:38 PM

Good to see alot of hotel development in Metro Manila.

One thing that is slightly disappointing to me is the price and choice of hotels in Metro Manila vis-a-vis other comparable international cities, such as Bangkok.

For example, I usually book my hotels on expedia.com and similar discount sites. However, for Bangkok, I am usually presented with hundreds of hotels and at very reasonable prices. However, for Metro Manila, I am usually presented with less than 20 hotels and, typically, at higher prices too.

Case in point, I checked expedia.com today for a one night stay on 1st February - expedia.com gave me 19 hotels in Metro Manila, whereas it gave me over 80 hotels for Bangkok.

ashton

January 13th, 2008, 02:29 PM

mambo

January 13th, 2008, 02:47 PM

there are more than 10 times hotels in bkk than mnl so obviously the supply and demand dictates the price...but the i dont think that prices of bkk hotels are cheaper than manilas to think that thais bath has a higher value than our pesos vis a visa the usd so when your paying in dollars it will be more

Yankees27

January 13th, 2008, 03:51 PM

^ Obviously Bangkok has gazillions of hotels than Metro Manila, we all know that duh.

Learn some manners.

ashton

January 13th, 2008, 03:53 PM

:)

Learn some manners.

OtAkAw

January 13th, 2008, 04:02 PM

Bangkok is a popular tourist destination hence the large number of hotels.

terrapinoy

January 13th, 2008, 04:10 PM

Instead of using expedia.com, use asiatravel.com (http://www.asiatravel.com/manila.html). They list at least 100 hotels in Metro Manila alone.

kunoL8

January 13th, 2008, 08:52 PM

i remember reading an article from Asiaweek several years ago that hotel rates in manila do tend to be higher compared to other southeast asian cities. there was a chart and manila did have higher hotel rates than bangkok, jakarta, etc. despite having lesser hotels.

mambo

January 14th, 2008, 07:06 AM

intercon bkk room rate 270usd per double room per night without bkfst, inte-con mnl 259.00 usd per double room per night wtih bkfst for two, .. same with shangri-la....bkk 230 usd per double rm per nt room only basis shang mkti 224.00usd per room per night room only basis...mura pa rin sa manila....pero mas mura sa kuala lumpur

metrosuburban

January 14th, 2008, 09:32 PM

But I prefer common sense.

ano bang sinabeng masama ni Yankee???

bily_lion

January 15th, 2008, 05:08 AM

Instead of using expedia.com, use asiatravel.com (http://www.asiatravel.com/manila.html). They list at least 100 hotels in Metro Manila alone.

:lol: expedia is the best online travel agency :banana:

ashton

January 15th, 2008, 08:29 AM

:)
ano bang sinabeng masama ni Yankee???

metrosuburban

January 15th, 2008, 06:04 PM

^^ then why did he say you have to learn some manners??

IslandSon.PH

January 16th, 2008, 03:01 AM

01.04.08

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/100_0570x.jpg

manila hotel badly needs a facelift..

ashton

January 16th, 2008, 05:34 AM

:)

^^ then why did he say you have to learn some manners??

thomasian

January 16th, 2008, 01:53 PM

manila hotel badly needs a facelift..

A restoration actually, for the original low-rise part. Old photos of the hotel show more elaborate details on the façade not visible today.

kunoL8

January 16th, 2008, 09:22 PM

^^ yes, i think manila hotel should undergo a major restoration. it looks so tired. it needs to regain its position as one of asia's greatest hotels. sigh. i really think that tower shouldn't have been added. damn imelda for committing such a crime!

metrosuburban

January 16th, 2008, 09:31 PM

hmmm first of all, who the hell are you?

haha, as if you will know me by telling you..

crappypants

January 17th, 2008, 08:11 AM

hmmm first of all, who the hell are you?

he is metrosuburban . :lol:

ashton

January 17th, 2008, 08:31 AM

^ haha thats right... anyways lets just get back to the topic... :)

ericlucky290

January 19th, 2008, 01:18 PM

thomasian

January 19th, 2008, 04:31 PM

^^ Talaga?!?! That must be her worst project. Some of her projects just screams Imelda, but this one doesn't say Imeldific.

le Reine

January 19th, 2008, 04:38 PM

^^hindi kaya dahil iniba ng may-ari ngayon? pinalitan ang mga design at lalong naging tacky?

crispypata

January 21st, 2008, 01:40 AM

Yes, It was Imelda Marcos who was responsible for the renovation of the whole hotel and when the Manila Hotel re-opened, It was hailed as the hotel with the grandest hotel lobby in the world though its like 25 years ago, if you go to the Manila Hotel now you still feel that charm. But it still need a major facelift to bring it back to its old glory.

kunoL8

January 21st, 2008, 07:17 AM

i think they've done a terrible job at maintaining the hotel.

i read an article that stated that manila hotel just opened a "tent city" for events and such.

benchjade

January 21st, 2008, 01:28 PM

crispypata

January 22nd, 2008, 01:21 AM

^^That was 25 years ago ha.. like 1970's when it first re-opened

thomasian

January 22nd, 2008, 02:47 AM

And right now, may mga nakita ako na mas grand pa in my opinion, like that in Makati Shang. But then, MH has a distinctive old-world charm that no other hotel would seem to make you feel.

icarusrising

January 27th, 2008, 03:42 AM

How about cheap accommodations for backpackers or people from the provinces who'd have business in Metro Manila for a few days... Here's a solution by hate 'em, love 'em, BF...

Capsule beds are main feature in new Gwapotel

By DJ Yap
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 21:29:00 01/26/2008

MANILA, Philippines--CLAUSTROPHOBES WILL NOT like the idea, but most out-of-towners will find the latest incarnation of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s home away from home -- in a box.

For only P25, laborers, vendors and even white collar workers in need of a place to stay the night in Tondo can soon have their own private sleeping space with all the comforts of an economy seat on board an airplane.

But unlike the first Gwapotel Inn on Bonifacio Drive in Port Area, Manila, which has double deck beds, the second facility will feature “capsular beds,” inspired by Japan’s capsule hotels, a type of cheap accommodation unique to that country.

“Of course, Gwapotel will be a cheaper version,” architect Alfonso Romero, head of the MMDA Construction Equipment and Maintenance Office, said.

The MMDA hopes to complete construction and renovation of the inn located in the heart of Tondo’s residential and commercial zone on Jose Abad Santos Street by May.

The design, said artist Jojo Pinga, is based on Tokyo’s capsule hotels where guests stay in a small sleeping space that comes complete with amenities like a reading light, a TV set, and so on.

It was MMDA Chair Bayani Fernando who thought of introducing the novel type of accommodation to the Philippines after seeing an example of the capsule hotel on a recent trip to Japan, Pinga said.

“Enviable private space for Gwapotel guests” was how Romero described the idea of building capsular beds instead of the usual double deck beds at the inn.

Another way to put it, as an MMDA press release said, was to compare the hotel service to the on-board amenities of an economy seat on a plane.

Priced at just P20 for overnight lodging (add P5 for a shower), guests can sleep in an air-conditioned room with three-deck capsular beds equipped with good lumbar support, Romero said.

Transients who check in at Gwapotel can “just doze off, simply relax or read newspapers and magazines in their capsular beds,” he added.

According to Romero, the beds will be equipped with a tubular control panel for an individual spotlight for reading, as well as for the air-conditioner or thermostat adjustments.

There’s piped in music, too, he added.

As of this writing, a fiberglass model of the capsular bed was still under construction, with Fernando making several adjustments and changes along the way, Pinga said.

“Chairman Fernando wanted to change almost 80 percent of the design, so we need to work on it for a few more days,” he told the Inquirer. He said he expected the prototype to be finished soon.

This early, Pinga expects criticisms hurled their way. “Some people will probably describe them as refrigerated coffins,” he said.

But he takes this in stride, saying the MMDA would do its best to ensure that the beds would be conducive to a good night’s sleep.

Construction and renovation work for the second Gwapotel has started in the abandoned 2,800-sq m Emmanuel Hospital on Jose Abad Santos Street, Romero said.

Although Tondo is not known for peaceful neighborhoods, Romero said the site, a mix of residential households and commercial establishments, hosts a peaceful community.

But to ensure the safety of guests in the inn, roving security guards will be posted on every floor of the building, he said.

Renovation for the hospital building alone is expected to cost P10.7 million, he added.

Emmanuel Hospital, through the Privatization Management Office of the Department of Finance, has agreed to rent out the old building to the MMDA for P200,000 a month, Romero said.

For this purpose, a memorandum of understanding was signed recently by both parties.

The hospital has two separate structures—the main hospital building and an annex which used to house the canteen and nurse quarters.

Normally, the main building can accommodate 240 people while the annex can accommodate 245 more.

But with capsular beds in place instead of the usual double deck beds, the Gwapotel Inn can accommodate 800 people “at any given time,” Romero said.

Just like in the original Gwapotel, women guests will be separated from the men, he said.

MMDA General Manager Robert Nacianceno said the decision to place the next Gwapotel in Tondo was based on the availability and accessibility of the building, as well as the number of people it can serve.

Fernando said the inn could help ease traffic in the densely populated district since workers in the area’s warehouses and industrial firms could opt to stay the night in Gwapotel instead of going home.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/metro/view/20080126-115023/Capsule-beds-are-main-feature-in-new-Gwapotel

kiretoce

January 27th, 2008, 04:43 AM

^^ I for one will not be comfortable sleeping in a capsule/coffin/crypt. :lol:

icarusrising

January 27th, 2008, 05:30 AM

^^ I for one will not be comfortable sleeping in a capsule/coffin/crypt. :lol:

I haven't seen how it looks like but you probably won't fit into one... Same goes for me I think. :lol:

thomasian

January 27th, 2008, 07:32 AM

I surely will fit into one, with extra space to boot! :D Sounds nice, but the idea of putting the whole concept into a renovated structure from an abandoned hospital, um, imagine how many people have died in that hospital, and how the morgues may have looked like, wahhh...

chocolato1000

January 27th, 2008, 08:42 AM

a capsule hotel in japan:

http://pic30.picturetrail.com/VOL1495/9208629/16893804/301047627.jpg

_zner_

January 27th, 2008, 12:11 PM

view from sofitel.

http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/543/22168816is1.jpg

Waldenstrom

January 27th, 2008, 03:17 PM

^^ Looks like an American city.

le Reine

January 27th, 2008, 03:48 PM

Saan ito kinuha? Sa westin ba or sa coconut palace? maganda!

Waldenstrom

January 27th, 2008, 04:30 PM

^^ From Sofitel. :)

le Reine

January 27th, 2008, 04:32 PM

^^oh my goodness. ang tanga ko nakalagay na ngang sofitel eh. hindi ko nakita. :bash::lol::laugh:

icarusrising

January 28th, 2008, 05:47 AM

a capsule hotel in japan: http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://bp0.blogger.com/_mmBw3uzPnJI/RcuHSSxiHnI/AAAAAAAAAQE/wkB_tyfqfcc/s400/capsule_hotel_10.jpg&imgrefurl=http://thesecondrendition.blogspot.com/2007/02/weird-capsule-hotel-in-japan.html&h=300&w=400&sz=35&hl=en&start=5&um=1&tbnid=3AJcR8RGOjV_NM:&tbnh=93&tbnw=124&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dcapsule%2Bhotel%2Bin%2Bjapan%26svnum%3D10%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26newwindow%3D1%26sa%3DN

I just see a red x, chocolato... Kindly have the image fixed.

icarusrising

January 28th, 2008, 05:57 AM

I surely will fit into one, with extra space to boot! :D

With extra room for another person? Hehehe. Joke!

Sounds nice, but the idea of putting the whole concept into a renovated structure from an abandoned hospital, um, imagine how many people have died in that hospital, and how the morgues may have looked like, wahhh...

Pagkagising mo me katabi ka na... Buti na lang ghosts don't take up space so that shouldn't be a problem... :lol:

chocolato1000

January 28th, 2008, 07:30 AM

I just see a red x, chocolato... Kindly have the image fixed.

^^ done.

leechtat

January 28th, 2008, 03:23 PM

...from an abandoned hospital, um, imagine how many people have died in that hospital, and how the morgues may have looked like, wahhh...

super OT: i have a scary story about our autopsy room in the morgue of one the hospitals i have intern-ed in...

my friend was fixing and returning the equipment that was used in the autopsy.. he was all alone then.. the AC is in high cool... suddenly, he just felt hot, he perspired too much even though he checked the AC's temp.. and by then he noticed that his movements seemed restricted, then he couldn't move from where he stand... its just seemed curious, so he tried all his might to escape this seeming paralysis... he then freed himself, and ran out of the room..

after that he recalled and described what he felt to our Clinical Instructor.. the instructor said many have experienced the same thing.. the feeling of being trapped in a pool of people... no one was there.. so it means that he was surrounded by the soul of the dead in the autopsy room.. wahh.. creepy...

lightsaber46

January 30th, 2008, 08:56 AM

view from sofitel.

http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/543/22168816is1.jpg

WOW!! more space for new Hotels!

TheRick

February 1st, 2008, 01:19 PM

The Worst Building in the History of Mankind

http://www.esquire.com/the-side/DESIGN/worst-hotel-ever-012808?kw=ist

http://www.esquire.com/cm/esquire/images/11/ryugyong-hotel-lg.jpg

le Reine

February 2nd, 2008, 11:32 AM

^^haha... North Korea's answer to the height race. :lol:

icarusrising

February 2nd, 2008, 11:39 AM

We can't really judge how it would have looked like if it were finished. I mean at least it has character. As the article says, it's the closest we can have to experience Death Star. :lol:

le Reine

February 2nd, 2008, 11:52 AM

^^well, it has indeed faced death even before it could start. :lol:

nayki

February 3rd, 2008, 06:10 AM

The Worst Building in the History of Mankind

http://www.esquire.com/the-side/DESIGN/worst-hotel-ever-012808?kw=ist

http://www.esquire.com/cm/esquire/images/11/ryugyong-hotel-lg.jpg

May rockets ba to sa basement? :lol:

OtAkAw

February 3rd, 2008, 08:11 AM

^^The building itself looks like it's going to launch anytime.

benchjade

February 3rd, 2008, 08:41 AM

baka may tinatago diyan ang president ng Nokor.

TheRick

February 3rd, 2008, 08:46 AM

In fairness...
The building does have some character very distinct sya...

Like a spaceship with a pyramid on top... :lol:

I hope that none of the potentially tallest buildings that are in the works would look like this...
Nothing worse than seeing a gi-nourmous building unfinished... :ohno:

icarusrising

February 4th, 2008, 10:41 AM

Chinese firm to put up $200-M
condotel near SM Mall of Asia

By Max V. de Leon
Reporter
The Business Mirror

A CHINESE company is putting up a $200-million “condotel” near the SM Mall of Asia that will be marketed as retirement facility to Chinese retirees.

Edgardo Aglipay, Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) chairman, said Sunshine Corp. of China has already signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the agency and is slated to begin construction in August 2008.

Aglipay said Sunshine Corp. will also be aggressively marketing the facility to Chinese retirees.

“They [Sunshine Corp. officials] are actually saying that the condotel will be sold out even before they could start building it,” Aglipay said.

He said the company has also signed MOAs with the management of SM Mall of Asia, and the nearby hospitals and golf course, to make sure that the retirees who will be living in the condotel will have access to first-class amenities.

“They [retirees] will have lifestyle, entertainment, recreation and medical care,” Aglipay said.

Currently, the Chinese are the second-biggest market of the local retirement industry after the Koreans.

Of the 2,620 foreign retirees who registered with the PRA last year, Aglipay said 60 percent are Koreans and 20 percent are Chinese.

Aglipay said the facility that Sunshine Corp. will be putting up will have 1,000 rooms.

Aside from Sunshine Corp., Aglipay said two other companies have signed MOAs with the PRA for the construction of retirement facilities in different parts of the country.

One of them, he said, is a Korean firm, which will be constructing a 550-room condotel in Cebu. He did not give details.

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/02042008/economy05.html

mambo

February 6th, 2008, 08:35 AM

SMIC inks hotel deal with Singapore's Carlson

SM Investments Corp. (SMIC), the holding company of tycoon Henry Sy, has signed an agreement with Singapore-based Carlson Hotels Asia Pacific to operate and manage two new hotels of SMIC in its Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City.

The Carlson group is a corporate solutions and consumer services provider, owning the brands T.G.I. Friday's and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

The hotels, under the Regent and Radisson brands, will cost P2.4 billion and will be built by an SMIC subsidiary, Hotel Specialists Inc.
Construction of the hotels will start mid-year and end in late 2009.
The Radission hotel will have 500 guest rooms while the Regent will offer 80 large and plush suites, including a 400-square meter presidential suite.

The two hotels will share one building and will have amenities like business centers, swimming pools, restaurants and function facilities."The two hotels’ prime location creates a vibrant customer base for us, given their proximity to the country’s largest mall, the SM Mall of Asia, and to SMX Convention Center, which today is the country’s largest privately owned venue for trade shows and other high-density events," said Merril Yu, senior vice-president of SM's Hotel Investment Group

ashton

February 6th, 2008, 10:53 AM

^ nice, they're starting to come.. :)

Il Tenore

February 6th, 2008, 12:26 PM