MANILA, Philippines – Gotianun-led Filinvest Development Corporation topped off on June 14, Friday, a new hotel in Camp John Hay in Baguio City that will be opened in the first quarter of 2025. 

Grafik Pine House Baguio, which is being built on a 5,700-square-meter property in the former US military rest and recreation base, Camp John Hay, will be the Gotianuns’ first hotel under their new Grafik Hotel brand and the eighth hotel of the Filinvest Group.

Topping off or topping out is the placing of the last beam, usually a piece of steel, in a construction project. A topping-off ceremony is now commonly held by big companies. Filinvest said it had completed the building’s structural phase. 

In a press release on June 19, Filinvest said the P2.7 billion hotel will have 256 rooms, 5 food and beverage outlets, a grand ballroom, meeting spaces, and a spa.

“The Grafik Hotel Collection is poised to make a significant impact on the local economy. By creating numerous employment opportunities, we aim to engage and uplift the community. Our project will not only boost tourism but also foster a sense of pride and involvement among the residents of Baguio. We are committed to contributing to the city’s growth and prosperity,” Filinvest Hospitality Corporation (FHC) first senior vice-president Francis Gotianun said during the topping-off ceremony.

Filinvest said the hotel construction will generate 3,000 jobs, and at least 250 employees will be hired for the hotel’s operation.

“After a strong 2023, we’re confident in full tourism recovery in 2024, showcasing the lasting appeal of the Philippines. As the Filinvest Group sets its sights on faster growth and making a positive impact on Philippine tourism and nation-building, our hospitality business aims to be a significant contributor to its overall plan,” Gotianun said in a press release last June 10.

Filinvest is enhancing its hospitality business after recording a 48% increase in revenues in 2023 as Philippine travel and tourism continued to rebound from the pandemic. Filinvest hotels and resorts, which are under its subsidiary FHC, got higher occupancy rates, higher average room rates, and increased contributions from its food and beverage business Baker J.

During the Duterte administration, the Filinvest Group won a bid for a 25-year lease to develop property for a hotel in Camp John Hay, under an accord with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC).

“The BCDA welcomes the establishment of FHC’s new hotel, as this will enhance Camp John Hay’s position as a leading tourist haven and hub for leisure and business. This is an excellent addition to the world-class hotels lining up Camp John Hay, and we hope this entices more tourists to choose John Hay as their next destination,” said BCDA president and CEO Joshua Bingcang during the topping-off.

JHMC president and CEO Marlo Quadra said the Grafik Hotel will improve the “revenue for the John Hay Special Economic Zone by attracting a larger number of tourists.”

The hotel project will be managed by Chroma Hospitality Incorporated, a joint venture between Filinvest and Archipelago International of Singapore.

In a press release in October 2023, Chroma Hospitality country manager James Montenegro said Grafik Pine House Baguio will focus on health and wellness. 

“…Baguio is still close to everybody’s heart for a short holiday break. It’s a nice place to go to, right? It’s got lovely culture, great food, great experience. And we have a beautiful property there overlooking the golf course and on top of a hill, with a beautiful 360-degree view of Camp John Hay,” Montenegro was quoted as saying in an article posted on the Filinvest website.

“The Grafik Hotel Collection is more than just a brand; it’s an experience that celebrates the beauty and stories of the Philippines,” Montenegro said during the topping-off ceremony. “Our properties will serve as gateways to the Filipino experience, offering guests a chance to become part of the narrative through immersive and engaging experiences.” 

FHC is also developing its second hotel in Mactan, Cebu – Grafik Mactan – which Montenegro said will be “art and experiential estate-driven” with a focus on beach design and island-hopping, among others.

Its first hotel in Mactan is Crimson Resort and Spa. Filinvest said this resort hotel has been renovated and it now has the Azure Beach Club, which it described as “a modern beachfront space that allows for sophisticated escapism while listening to music and enjoying cocktail concoctions.”

Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan also opened a Japanese restaurant, Aka, that offers omakase (personalized meal), kaiseki (multi-course meal), and an ala carte menu. 

FHC also owns Timberland Highlands Resort in San Mateo, Rizal province, which launched last February a new bike park for mountain bike enthusiasts. It is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 7 am to 4 pm and charges P550 per rider for a day pass.

FHC has its Quest Hotels in Cebu, Clark, and Tagaytay, focusing on meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions or MICE events.

Filinvest has also expanded its café restaurant, Baker J, which now has five branches: Alabang, Clark, Tagaytay, Taguig, and Rizal. – Rappler.com