When AppleOne Properties bagged multiple wins in the recent 10th PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards, a lot of people were surprised and curious how a relatively young company was able to rise above the competition and continues to carve a reputation as a premier luxury developer in Cebu through its Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort, which was cited as “Best Luxury Resort Development” and The Residences at Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort, which was the “Best Branded Residential Development.” Add to these accolades, the interior designs of both projects were also cited, garnering “Best Hotel Interior Design,” and “Best Condo Interior Design,” respectively.
“We are truly humbled and appreciative of the recognition given to us for a project that I, along with my family, have dedicated our time and effort into ensuring we bring a premier development to our home, Cebu. We couldn’t be happier to receive two awards for the hotel and another two for the residences. It is not just a recognition for us as a developer, but rather, we see this as a recognition for Cebu,” said Ray Go Manigsaca, CEO of AppleOne Properties.
“This will continue to encourage us to improve and aspire for more outstanding developments for the region, and fuel our passion to always elevate industry standards because that is what we strive for with our Sheraton project.”
The recognition is not only timely, but also “monumental” in a way that it places Cebu in the radar as a truly global luxury destination.
“Through opening the doors of Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort — the first Marriott International Resort in the Philippines and the first Sheraton-branded Residences in Southeast Asia — we are now welcoming over 150 million members of Marriott’s loyalty program into our local shores. This is truly a proud feat for AppleOne and we continue in this route of branded developments as it enables us to reach even bigger markets worldwide, promote the local beauty of our country, and expose Cebu to world-class designs, with the expertise of our globally renowned designers that we work with,” he said.
A GOOD FOUNDATION
Recognitions are very much welcome, but AppleOne Properties is not resting easy. In fact, it’s just the “start” for the decade-old company that is now making giant strides, going with the flow with other developers who have multiple decades tucked under their belt.
Looking back, AppleOne Properties was born out of the desire of the Mr. Manigsaca, together with his wife Venus, to help bring progress to Cebu and elevate it to be recognized globally. “I was born and raised in Cebu. Worked here and also started a family here. We want to give back to Cebu and make the world know that this province has full of potentials for growth, investment, tourism, etc.,” he explained.
AppleOne Properties’ first development is the 17-story mixed-used AppleOne Equicom Tower. It stands as a testament to a partnership between two industry shapers — one in construction, the other in technology — built on a shared vision to bring forward Cebu and elevate work standards in the community.
Following its success, the company ventured into residential development with Cebu’s very first gated condominium — AppleOne Banawa Heights. Sprawling over a 2.8-hectare property, it combines the best of nature and cosmopolitan living. With these developments, AppleOne Properties was cited as “Best Boutique Developer in the Philippines for 2016,” and “Best Condo Development Cebu for 2017.”
Continuing its mission to enhance the living conditions in Cebu, the company made its dream to elevate the industry standards for luxury accommodation into a reality — The Residences at Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort took center stage in the country’s hospitality and housing industries and was first recognized in 2018 as “Best Condo Development Philippines,” “Best Condo Interior Design Philippines,” and “Best Luxury Condo Development Cebu.”
Apart from its growing portfolio of residential developments, Mahi Center is the company’s dive into the IT industry. Strategically located in the Mactan Economic Zone and within close proximity to the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, the development will rise as the next premier business and leisure destination in the area, housing a five-story structure with IT facilities, two floors of office spaces, along with three floors of commercial and retail spaces. The center will give direct access to a world-class hotel, Fairfield by Marriott Cebu Mactan, which will be the first in the country. The hotel is evidence of another strong partnership forged with the world’s largest hotel operator, Marriott International.
“Our company’s ‘youthfulness’ allowed us to be nimble and bullish in our ventures, especially in recent years. During the pandemic, our businesses were greatly affected like everyone else, but we also used this as an opportunity to reassess our company’s strategy and look for other avenues to grow the business further. We had already been looking into healthcare back in 2019, but the acquisition had only actualized during the pandemic, and it was a very timely move for AppleOne because the industry was at the forefront of battling this global crisis,” said Mr. Manigsaca.
Today, AppleOne Properties’ healthcare arm, which was incorporated during the early months of 2020, is the AppleOne Medical Group. It has three hospitals under its belt — in Cebu City, Tacloban City, and the third in Davao.
“We endeavor to provide better access to quality healthcare while delivering quality medical services with compassion to the communities,” said Mr. Manigsaca. “With our strength and expertise in development, and a keen foresight into the market, strengthened with our dynamic approach to all our businesses, we are committed to strengthening the foundation of our healthcare industry with well-equipped and well-supported hospitals around VisMin.”
BEARING MORE FRUITS
Mr. Manigsaca is very optimistic, not only about Cebu but the entire VisMin region. His optimism is palpable as he has committed AppleOne Properties to continue investing more in branded residences, resorts, and hotels.
“We will also invest in real estate developments where we can see potential for growth and new markets. We will remain agile and aggressive in our pursuits; able to identify opportunities here and outside the country for further expansion of our business as well as in contributing to the growth of our country and in support of our fellow countrymen,” he said. “AppleOne is always on the lookout for better opportunities, and we are a believer of good brands and products, which can withstand the rigors of time.”
He also disclosed that the company is also further diversifying its commercial portfolio in order to cater to a fast-growing segment of the market and an increasing demand for more workspaces. In fact, AppleOne Properties has signed a first-ever exclusive franchise partnership deal with IWG, a leading global provider of workspace solutions, in order to bring and operate their premier brand of shared workspaces Regus to the entire Visayas region.
As 2023 is just around the corner, Mr. Manigsaca is confident that AppleOne Properties can weather whatever challenges that may come their way. “We are driven, we work as a team and are constantly on the go, always ready for the next challenge and opportunity presented to us. We always find ways to make each of our business entities work and achieve their respective goals. We are very hands on, and I believe that has truly made us into what we are right now,” he said.
He described his leadership style as “very personable” as he treats everybody “like family.” "I encourage open discussions, collaboration, and I am always open to hearing what each has to say. I listen but am also firm in getting the company’s vision across and ensuring this is brought to reality.”
For buyers, investors, and stakeholders, the company “values the continued support” and “deeply appreciates the trust given.” “We will continue to provide even better products and game-changing projects whether in the residential sector, commercial, hospitality or healthcare industries. You have that as our commitment.”
This early, AppleOne has demonstrated that it has the stability and agility to take on new business ventures and identify unique opportunities in the market. Complemented with its strong key management team in place ready to overcome the many obstacles ahead, the company is driven and well-equipped to move forward as it takes on the expected headwinds of competing with the industry giants.
Cebu is truly blessed with AppleOne Properties. Now, the rest of the country eagerly awaits the company’s next moves.