Gatchalian-led Acesite (Phils.) Hotel Corporation is planning the soft opening of the refurbished Waterfront Manila Hotel & Casino by the first quarter next year as completion has been delayed due to construction challenges.
“The reopening of the hotel will be executed in three carefully planned phases to ensure a seamless transition and deliver an exceptional guest experience,” the firm said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE).
Phase 1 is slated for the first quarter of 2026 and will focus on completing the podium, which includes public areas such as the lobby, select food and beverage outlets, and the casino. A soft opening is planned during this phase.
Phase 2 is expected to be completed by the late third quarter of 2026 with additional guest amenities and facilities to be introduced.
Phase 3, the final phase, targeted for the first quarter of 2027, will complete the remaining hotel rooms and general amenities, marking the full reopening of the property.
“The construction delays and phased reopening of the hotel arose from a combination of unforeseen challenges encountered during redevelopment and reconstruction,” said Acesite.
It added that “these challenges include technical difficulties, adjustments to the project scope to enhance facilities and logistical hurdles such as sourcing specialized materials and equipment.”
Acesite explained that many of these issues surfaced during the construction process due to the decision to retain the original structure and shell of the building that is over 50 years old as a cost-saving measure. The hotel was ravaged by a fire in 2018 and had to be rebuilt.
Site-specific challenges further complicate the process, particularly the need to address structural reinforcements and adapt to the condition of the existing foundation.
During construction, damaged tendons were discovered, requiring replacement and additional reinforcement. To maintain the highest standards of quality and safety, these developments necessitated a comprehensive reassessment of the project timeline.
Concerns over slab vibrations also led to the replacement of certain slabs. This effort involved introducing extra reinforcement and framing to accommodate duct penetrations within the slabs, as recommended by the structural engineer.
Controlled demolition was meticulously executed to prevent any impact on adjacent structural elements, highlighting the complexity and precision required for the reconstruction.
“Despite these unforeseen challenges, the additional reinforcements are critical to ensuring the long-term safety and well-being of all building occupants, including both guests and employees,” Acesite said.
It noted that “structural integrity is a vital prerequisite for the progress of other trades and the overall success of the project."
“While the projected timeline has been conservatively estimated to account for the current scope and complexity of retrofitting work, efforts are ongoing to reassess these requirements and explore opportunities to optimize the schedule through effective phasing and task sequencing. These measures reaffirm the project’s commitment to delivering a safe, structurally sound, and high-quality building, ensuring sustainable operations," it added.