From a small business venture to cementing a trustworthy name in the business landscape, Ray and Venus Manigsaca started their legacy in Cebu City. Initially focused on general construction, the couple saw potential in real estate by the mid-2000s. Using profits from their first business, they began developing properties, eventually leading to the establishment of AppleOne Properties Inc. The company has received multiple accolades and various recognitions from prestigious award-giving bodies in both the local and international scene, proving its commitment to delivering excellence and innovation in the industry.

Driving the company’s success are the diligent and relentless members of the Manigsaca family—among them, Samantha, the vice president for hospitality and a second-generation leader of the AppleOne Group. In an interview, Samantha shared that while it’s common in Filipino families for children to follow in their parent’s footsteps, she takes pride that her parents never pressured her into joining the hospitality industry. Instead, her involvement stemmed from a genuine passion she had nurtured since she was younger.

“Hospitality has always been natural to me. I always like to be with people, I always like to serve people, clean the house, — it’s about people facing and creating experiences for guests — and that’s what I have always wanted to be passionate about,” Samantha stated.

Before joining the family business, Samantha gained valuable experience working with renowned international hotel brands such as Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort, The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong, JW Marriott Hong Kong, Marriott Hotel Manila, and The Westin Manila.The best practices she gained from these institutions now guide her leadership style . Samantha was driven by a strong sense of responsibility and the desire to support her parents in growing the company. Conversations with her family, exposure to her parents’ decision-making, , and guidance from industry mentors gave Samantha the confidence to embrace a leadership role. Today she leads AppleOne Group’s hospitality arm, overseeing site selection for future projects and forging key partnerships with global hotel brands.

The Manigsaca mark has left a strong and lasting legacy in the industry, one that Samantha deeply values. She saw the continuous growth in Visayas and Mindanao and acknowledges that it is what keeps her motivated and driven to continue the work she does. She also recognized the importance of having fresh eyes and new perspectives in order to keep up with the evolving business landscape, where she and her older brother Patrick come in.

Samantha believes the family legacy remains steadfast because their parents remain actively involved in the business. After her job overseas, she returned to ensure that the values and vision Ray and Venus Manigsaca built would continue seamlessly, for more generations to come.

“There’s a lot of respect and responsibility on my part when it comes to valuing and supporting what my parents have built. Growing up, it was instilled in us that this is how we do business, this is how we navigate things,” she shared. “My brother and I came into the business earlier than expected because we wanted to contribute with fresh eyes while honoring the legacy.”

Samantha also emphasized how the family’s core values continue to shape AppleOne’s identity and long-term vision. “It matters to us that all four of us are present in AppleOne. We’ve always seen it as a family business and that extends to our people. We are not here without our employees,” she said. “My parents may be the brains of it, but we can’t do it all without the heart they bring.”

Samantha also upholds the idea of honoring one’s word and valuing relationships with others—not only because they help move the business forward, but because they reflect the integrity and trust that define her family's legacy.

Coming from outside the family business, Samantha brings a fresh perspective and a sharp understanding of market needs in the hospitality industry—contributions that have been instrumental in driving the company’s growth. Her focus is on advancing AppleOne’s growth and positioning while remaining true to the family’s legacy of creating better living communities.

“My leadership style is rooted in the values and traditions my parents instilled in us. As a second-generation leader, innovation and fresh perspectives are essential to staying ahead in today’s competitive market; especially here in Cebu and in VisMin,” Samantha said.

The younger Manigsaca is also persistent not only in giving the best for the company but also in learning and navigating the evolving challenges of the hospitality industry. Despite the pressure that comes with her role, Samantha embraces each challenge as an inspiration and an opportunity for personal and professional growth. Under her leadership, AppleOne has adopted new approaches and strategies aimed at strengthening the business and unlocking its full potential—clearly reflected in recent mixed-use developments that combine hotel and residential concepts, such as the Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort, JW Marriott Panglao Island Resort & Residences in Bohol, and Radisson Blu Hotel & Residences in Cagayan de Oro.

Aside from providing high-quality properties and delivering outstanding customer experiences, Samantha shared that AppleOne prioritizes meeting community needs, which is why they are focused on growing their portfolio especially in the hospitality arm.

“We are focused on the three projects now that are set to open in the next couple of years, but we see a lot of potential in hospitality, especially in the hotel and resort aspect of the industry.We plan to grow our portfolio and explore new opportunities moving forward. ,” Samantha discussed.

The Manigsaca mark is not only a reputable and remarkable name in the business scene but also a legacy that empowers the communities around them by providing local employment opportunities and supporting economic development, with Samantha’s personal vision and dedication propelling these efforts forward.

“Looking ahead, I’m really excited by the possibilities. Every chance we get to create new opportunities for others is a step toward something bigger; a thriving, interconnected family for everyone,” she said.

“For us, it’s not just about where we are today, but about what we can unlock together for tomorrow. We’re committed not only to meeting their current needs but also to investing in sustainable growth and building a better future together.”

Samantha’s passion for helping those around her and her commitment to preserving the family’s legacy are more than enough to keep the company moving forward with purpose and resilience. Her leadership reflects the blend of tradition and innovation—rooted in family values, yet open to new possibilities.