Just four months after the takeover of Camp John Hay, Landco Lifestyle Ventures (LLV) boldly reintroduces one of Baguio’s iconic heritage destinations. Now fitted with modern amenities and updated attractions, LLV’s latest hospitality and leisure development project stands true to its commitment to redefining resort living and delivering new lifestyle products.
From exclusive to an inclusive destination in Baguio
Landco Lifestyle Ventures transforms the heritage destination for locals and tourists to experience Baguio anew
Published Jun 4, 2025 05:24 pm
John Hay Hotels Garden Wing, formerly The Manor
A subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investment Corporation and the rebranded hospitality management arm of Landco Pacific Corporation, LLV was assigned to the interim management of The Manor and Forest Lodge, including the CAP-John Hay Trade and Cultural Center, at Camp John Hay. This two-year undertaking will assist the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) in transitioning the properties to a new private partner that will be awarded with a long-term lease and management arrangements.
Under LLV, the John Hay Hotels, Lodge, Trade and Cultural Center, and Sports Pavilion welcome guests who are ready to immerse themselves in the cool environment, gastronomy adventure, and cultural heritage of Pines City.
Perched 5,000 feet above sea level, the five-star John Hay Hotels, formerly The Manor and the Forest Lodge, features 163 well-appointed rooms, including 47 elegant suites with private balconies or terraces fronting the refreshing forest or garden view. Inside the cozy hotel, guests must try the Le Chef menu and bake shop goodies, chill at the bar, or pamper themselves with the spa’s massage treatments. By stepping out, they can go to hiking trails and nearby parks, play at the Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, or book sightseeing tours to enjoy the year-round temperature of 19 degrees Celsius.
John Hay Hotels Forest Wing
The Forest Wing prides itself on its unique architecture, classic interior, and outstanding service, a good choice for accommodations inside Camp John Hay.
For special events and conventions, the Trade and Cultural Center has a 405 sqm stage and can fit up to 2,300 attendees. It is an ideal venue for meetings, conventions, seminars, theater shows, and social gatherings like weddings and reunions. For al-fresco banquets, the Apayao Hall extension offers an additional 1,500 square meters of covered space. It is also suitable for exhibits and trade fairs.
Two-bedroom suite with mountain view
The newly added Sports Pavilion is equipped with three world-class courts for basketball, badminton, and pickleball, a first in Baguio.
Patrick “Pato” C. Gregorio, Landco Lifestyle Ventures hospitality and lifestyle ventures head
More than structural improvements, LLV is pushing for the concept of inclusivity for the former exclusive, members-only Camp John Hay. “When BCDA took over last January, their main positioning was to open the property to the people, to the Baguio community,” said Patrick “Pato” C. Gregorio, LLV head of hospitality and lifestyle ventures. “We’re not here as businessmen; we're here to be part of the community,” he stressed.
Recent developments have seen Baguio residents visiting and celebrating special gatherings and family affairs at Camp John Hay.
This kind of community involvement is also intentionally extended to empowering locals in their endeavors to highlight and honor Cordilleran culture and heritage, in line with sustainable tourism.
The Mountain Man set up featuring Cordilleran open-pit fire dinner
Every Saturday, John Hay Hotels stages a unique culinary and cultural experience at the Garden Wing. The Mountain Man open-fire dinners provide guests an authentic, immersive taste of Cordillera heritage while supporting local farmers, fishermen, and artisans.
Led by husband and wife Chavi and Millie Romawac, together with their family, the Mountain Man dining concept shares heirloom recipes, open-fire cooking techniques, and the cultural narratives that give meaning to the dishes served.
At the Forest Wing lobby, chocolatier Angeleah Montilde has set up a shop filled with “bean-to-bar” artisanal chocolates. At the Kokomo Atelier, chocolate lovers can taste some of Montilde’s signature creations featuring heirloom cacao from the highlands, an integral part of the Cordilleran cacao heritage.
“Our vision is to create lifestyle destinations that not only showcase the natural beauty and culture of their locations but also actively contribute to the sustainability and prosperity of the local communities. Through such partnerships, we ensure that the heritage and traditions of the Cordilleras are honored and that our support helps uplift local SMEs, preserving their livelihoods for generations to come,” said Gregorio, emphasizing the holistic approach.
Chocolatier Angeleah Montilde at John Hay Hotels
“That's what we're doing now and in the next 18 months. We will continue to invest in and improve John Hay Hotels. Our focus is to repair and renovate and give more opportunities for new attractions. And our anchor is the people and tourists of Baguio, the people of Cordillera; you are part of this thrust,” added Gregorio.
He also mentioned that for the interim management period, LLV has allotted more than P100 million in budget to cover the planned improvements, after which, the hospitality group intends to seek a long-term partnership with BCDA.