Filinvest Hospitality Corporation, a subsidiary of the Gotianun Group’s Filinvest Development Corporation, is expanding its standalone restaurant business by developing a 730-square-meter prime property in Camp John Hay, Baguio City.
The firm said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange that it won the bid for a six-year lease contract for the property offered by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC).
The official signing of the agreement took place on July 23, 2024, at the BCDA Office in Taguig City.
Located along Sheridan Drive in Camp John Hay, the property is a stone’s throw away from Grafik Hotel Collection Baguio, a new hotel being built by the company that recently topped off last June 14, 2024.
As a complementary offering, it plans to build a restaurant on the newly acquired space, which was the former site of Cantinetta.
The new project, named The Hay Diner will reuse existing architectural elements, redesigning with minimal changes to preserve the current structure’s Baguio charm.
The planned restaurant in Baguio will showcase a fusion of classic American favorites with creative twists inspired by the rich Cordilleran cuisine.
It will be operated by Chroma Hospitality Inc., a distinguished hotel management company under the Filinvest group.
Headroom, the lead design firm, aims to maximize Baguio's cool temperature through passive cooling by utilizing the existing window openings.
The design team also prioritized sustainability by installing supplementary inverted air conditioning units, LED lighting, water-efficient toilet fixtures, and low-VOC paint.
“We envision this new project to become a valuable addition to Baguio's vibrant restaurant scene. It also aligns with our plans to not only expand our hotels and resorts but also our investment in new F&B ventures,” said Filinvest Hospitality First Senior Vice President Francis C. Gotianun.
Filinvest’s hospitality portfolio encompasses a diverse range of properties aimed at providing distinct experiences to guests.
This new project will be the latest food & beverage venture of the group following the success of Baker J, a French-inspired café that is located in key cities and destinations.
Grafik Baguio is a 5,700 square meter, 256-room full-service hotel being constructed in accordance with the EDGE Green Building Program of the International Finance Corp. The company aims to showcase the hotel’s unique, sustainable design by the first quarter of 2025.
“Our goal is to expand our business while enhancing the natural attractions of the Philippines, ultimately boosting the country's tourism industry. We are excited for the chance to reinvigorate tourism activities in Baguio, and we are committed to doing it conscientiously to preserve the area's beauty for generations to come,” said Gotianun.
"Camp John Hay is thrilled and eagerly anticipates this new gastronomic experience, thoughtfully curated by Filinvest Hospitality,” said JHMC President and CEO Atty. Marlo Ignacio V. Quadra.
He noted that, “These soon-to-rise amenities blend modern comforts with breathtaking natural surroundings, serving as a strong example of how economic development and environmental preservation can coexist harmoniously.
“Moreover, this well-balanced approach ensures that every guest has an exceptional and memorable experience, elevating the Camp John Hay visit to a sought-after global destination."
“We are elated to partner once again with Filinvest Hospitality Corp. in bringing this new restaurant venture to Camp John Hay.
“With FHC's expertise in providing exceptional customer experience and its dedication to pay homage to Cordilleran heritage, we are sure this restaurant will make a mark in Baguio's rich culinary scene and elevate the experience of tourists visiting John Hay," BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang said.