Filinvest unveils new F&B venture in Camp John Hay

MANILA, Philippines —  The hospitality arm of the Gotianun family’s Filinvest Development Corp. (FDC) is beefing up its offering in Camp John Hay in Baguio City through its latest food and beverage venture.

FDC said Filinvest Hospitality Corp. will develop a 730-square-meter prime property in Camp John Hay after winning the bid for a six-year lease contract offered by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and John Hay Management Corp.

Filinvest Hospitality plans to build a restaurant called The Hay Diner on the newly acquired space, which was the former site of Cantinetta.

The restaurant, which will showcase a fusion of classic American favorites with creative twists inspired by the rich Cordilleran cuisine, will be operated by Chroma Hospitality Inc., a hotel management company under the Filinvest group.

“We envision this new project to become a valuable addition to Baguio’s vibrant restaurant scene. It also aligns with our plans to expand our hotels and resorts and our investment in new food and beverage ventures,” Filinvest Hospitality’s first senior vice president Francis Gotianun said.

The new project will serve as the latest food and beverage venture of the Filinvest group following the success of Baker J. This French-inspired café is located in key cities and destinations.

“We are elated to partner again with Filinvest Hospitality in bringing this new restaurant venture to Camp John Hay. With Filinvest Hospitality’s expertise in providing exceptional customer experience and its dedication to paying 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 Bingcang said.

The Hay Diner will be situated near Grafik Hotel Collection Baguio, a new hotel being built by Filinvest Hospitality.

Grafik Baguio is a 5,700 square meter, 256-room full-service hotel constructed by the EDGE Green Building Program of the International Finance Corp.

Filinvest Hospitality 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 committed to doing it conscientiously to preserve the area’s beauty for generations to come,” Gotianun said.