Housing Developer 8990 Holdings Inc. Launches Leisure And Resort Company

The graduates of all the HRM (Hotel And Restaurant Management) schools here in the Philippines should start committing to heart the three numbers of 8, 9, and 0. That’s because based on the announcement that renowned housing developer 8990 Holdings, Inc. made the other day as they launched their 8990 Leisure and Resorts subsidiary, they just might be the mothership of employment for these bright-eyed graduates. And in about two years time, domestic travelers and local tourists should also be feeling the full effect of these 8990 pronouncements; as their hotels and resorts begin to open their doors.

A subsidiary of 8990 Holdings, this publicly listed holding company reported a record high net income of Php 3.4 billion for the first three quarters of 2018 (those dabbling in the stock market should take note of this!). Buoyed by the dedicated government spending on infrastructure, especially in the area of airports which have a direct impact on domestic tourism, 8990 Leisure and Resorts have an aggressive plan to create a total of 3,000 rooms over the next five years. 

  The 8990 brain trust, Lowell Yu, Mariano Martinez, and Willie J. Uy.

Taking into consideration the different types and needs of our visitors, 8990 have creatively conceptualized three distinct hotel categories—the Adama will be their five-star luxury family resort; nestled within nature in choice locations, it will provide first class amenities where families can bond, and engage in activities amidst lush greeneries.

Kura is the second category, luxury urban hotels located in the heart of the right cities—splendid spaces with rich amenities that should be the choice of both professionals and sophisticated travelers/vacationers. The third category is Argo—resident urban hotels that offer the essentials; and will be staffed by those best equipped to help their guests explore, discover, and experience the cities where they’ll be located. This is positioned to be the millennial’s haven.

 The three branded tiers of hotels that 8990 Leisure & Resorts plan to put up.

As Willie J. Uy, President & CEO of 8990 Holdings Inc. was happy to declare, “The Philippine Leisure and Hospitality industry is on an upswing with the current administration focusing on tourism development. The launch of 8990 Leisure and Resorts definitely comes at a perfect time.” This was echoed by 8990 Chairman Mariano Martinez and Director Lowell Yu, who faced the media to provide details on what the new subsidiary’s plans are. 

To open over the next five years are hotels and resorts in the following destinations: Cebu, Makati, Davao, Palawan, Boracay, Siquijor, Alabang, Manila, Iloilo, Legazpi, Clark, Lapu-Lapu, Siargao, and Baguio. That’s 14 specific locations, with some cities poised to have both a Kura and an Argo.

 Former Senator Pia Cayetano with a congratulatory speech for 8990 Leisure & Resorts.

Pia Cayetano was a special guest at the event, and gave a short speech enthusiastically giving the thumbs up to how 8990 was making such a positive step in developing local tourism. For the event, three ‘Ambassadors’ were handpicked to represent the three hotel brands—Steph Zubiri-Crespi-Crespi for Adama, Michaela Lagdameo-Martinez for Kura, and Wil Dasovich for Argo.

 8990 ‘Ambassadors’ Steph Zubiri-Crespi, Wil Dasovich, Michaela Lagdameo-Martinez. 

It may be early days for 8990 Leisure and Resorts; but knowing the track record of 8990 Holdings, expect the subsidiary to make its mark in a big way, and cast a long, exciting shadow over the local tourism industry. It’s a welcome move, and one I look forward to watching closely in the years to come. It promises to be affordable luxury, upgrading the experience without burning a hole in your wallet. 
 

Lead photos via @8990HOUSE