The Ascott Limited has been recognised as the Philippines’ Leading Serviced Apartment Brand by voters at the World Travel Awards.

In celebration, Arthur Gindap, regional general manager, Philippines & Thailand, The Ascott Limited here chats with Breaking Travel News editor Chris O’Toole about what the recognition means to the brand.

Breaking Travel News: Can we begin with an overview of what Ascott offers in the Philippines? I believe you currently have two Ascott properties, Ascott Makati and Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila?

Arthur Gindap: Both properties are strategically located in leading business districts in the country that caters to discerning business and leisure travellers who would require long term and short-term accommodations. 

Ascott Bonifacio Global City has a total of 220 suites with sleek and modern interiors that are hypo-allergenic for us to be able to house even guests that have sensitive needs.

Its on-site restaurant is Alta, which is operated by Asia’s Best Female Chef for 2016, Margarita Fores.

Another unique feature is it is the first property in the area to have a dog kennel facility for guests and residents, as well as walk-in clients.

On the other hand, Ascott Makati boasts of two towers with a total of 362 units and is the flagship project of The Ascott Ltd – Philippines.

We just finished our tower two renovation recently to make sure that the brand sustains its market positioning as the leading serviced residence provider in the country.

The properties have units that range from a studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom.

Both properties also provide serviced offices wherein start-ups or satellite offices can lease units with rates that already include the utilities such as electricity and water.

Aside from these, guests and residents also have access to the following amenities – swimming pool, food & beverage outlet (Myron’s for Ascott Makati, ALTA for Ascott Bonifacio Global City), fitness centre, function rooms, and ballroom.

Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila

BTN: How developed in the long-stay service sector in the Philippines? Are travellers aware of the benefits of this type of accommodation?

AG: It is a market that has its own niche because of the demand here in the country. 

With the current development of the Ascott Group which consists of six properties today and with the development of other projects in the coming year, it’s a good indication of how we continue to be the global enterprise that enriches people and communities through high-quality real estate products and services.

Travellers now are seeing the value of having this type of accommodation, with the rapid growth of four and five star hotels here in the capital, we provide great customer value and experiences defining global living.

We elevate the experience for our long staying residents thru our Ascott Host Program – we further personalise their time with us by finding out what their specific needs and preferences are prior to their arrival and we offer scheduled tours in cultural and leisure spots in and around the area.

BTN: With the Philippines recording the strongest economic growth in Asia in 2016, is this a positive time for hospitality in Manila?

AG: Yes, it has been a positive time for hospitality not just in Manila but for the whole country.

To capitalise on this, The Ascott Limited is expanding its market in the Philippines through new properties and investments in Manila as well as south of the country in Cebu.

BTN: Voters at the World Travel Awards recently recognised Ascott with two titles:  Philippines’ Leading Serviced Apartment Brand and Philippines’ Leading Serviced Apartments. How did it feel to win here?

AG: We feel humbled and privileged to receive this from the World Travel Awards. 

As the globally recognised hallmark in terms of industry excellence, this annual programme is one of the most prestigious and comprehensive in the industry. 

Winning this award just shows the confidence of our guests have in our properties being that Ascott Makati has won the award three consecutive times and now Ascott Bonifacio Global City has also made a mark by winning the award for 2016.

Luxurious interiors at Ascott Makati

BTN: How important are accolades such as these for the brand?

AG: Awards such as this motivates us to innovate and improve the service, facilities and amenities that we provide to our guests.

It is invaluable to know that we are being recognized and it inspires us to do even better to ensure that we live up to the needs and expectations of our guests and residents.

More Information

The Ascott Limited is a Singapore company that has grown to be one of the leading international serviced residence owner-operators.

It has over 30,000 operating serviced residence units in key cities of the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe and the Middle East, as well as over 21,000 units which are under development, making a total of more than 52,000 units in over 300 properties.

The company operates three award-winning brands – Ascott, Citadines and Somerset, along with The Crest Collection and lyf.

Ascott’s portfolio spans more than 100 cities across 29 countries.