Top Philippine officials of The Ascott Limited can talk endlessly about the reasons why the global company partnered with Cebu Landmasters Inc. They built the first Ascott property outside Metro Manila here at the heart of Cebu City – Citadines Cebu City.
Country general manager of The Ascott Limited Philippines Daniel Wee brightened when he gushed about the local beaches and Cebu’s lechon.
A Singaporean, Wee has been mainly based in Shanghai, China and Makati since he joined Ascott. But Cebu offers something different. World class beaches are just an hour away from Cebu City. The island is also home to lechon – the roasted pig that the late chef Anthony Bourdain described as “the best ever.”
“I’m looking forward for my first beach vacation in the country. And of course, more Cebu lechon,” Wee said.
As the first serviced residence in Cebu, the 180-unit Citadines Cebu City will provide curated and personalized service that will be tailor-made for guests. It will also incorporate Cebu’s culture to make it distinct from other Ascott properties.
According to Wee, international serviced residences are complete with a living room, fully-equipped kitchen, washing machine with dryer, and home entertainment system. In addition, expect a function room with a majestic view of the city, a fitness center, business corner, and a swimming pool for adults and kids.
“Above all, there’s a team of professionals and seasoned hoteliers who will serve its guests” he added.
Susan Salcedo, Ascott’s head for Visayas and Mindanao, also considers Cebu as an ideal location as a venue for its first project in Cebu.
“Obviously, Cebu is next to Metro Manila. The potential of the city is promising most especially with its tourism standing,” Salcedo said.
Salcedo joined The Ascott Limited in 2008 as Lifestyle Manager for Ascott Makati and was promoted to Residence Manager for Citadines Salcedo Makati in 2014, and eventually got appointed to General Manager adding Somerset Olympia Makati under her wing.
Her experience in Ascott made her understand the business and ready to run the Visayas-Mindanao cluster.
“It’s very gratifying working here. I’ve probably worked the same long hours abroad but here, I’m happy. It feels like a home” Salcedo said.
At the moment, Salcedo added, “our preparations include incorporating Ascott and local culture”.
Citadines Cebu City, for instance, will be using local furniture made by local designers.
Asked about her life outside being the Ascott head for VisMin, she mused:
“It’s all about Game of Thrones! When the season ends, life will end too. But there’s Star Wars to look forward to.”
