Sustainability by design: ‘Mahi Center’s integrated approach to growth’
MANILA, Philippines — I was recently in Mactan, Cebu for the official launch of the Mahi Center, the AppleOne Group’s first integrated business and lifestyle destination — which includes Fairfield by Marriott Cebu Mactan.
It was good to see businesses remaining resilient despite the Middle East crisis. More importantly, it’s good to see a big, global brand such as Marriott strengthening its partnership with a Filipino company.
And that’s what the AppleOne Group represents.
Its Mahi Center has introduced a curated selection of local and international brands to the island. Beyond its lifestyle mall, the development also hosts an office tower and another Marriott hotel, this time under the Fairfield brand.
The result is a compact, mixed-use ecosystem designed for convenience and efficiency. It is sustainability at work.
“For Mactan residents, professionals and travelers passing through one of the Philippines’ busiest airports, the launch marks a significant moment for AppleOne Group’s growing portfolio and reinforces Cebu’s emergence as a world-class destination for business, tourism and modern living,” said Ray Go Manigsaca, president and CEO of AppleOne Group.
‘Economic growth’
Manigsaca said that the Group’s latest project reaffirms its commitment to supporting the region’s economic growth by building places where business can thrive, families can gather and communities can take genuine pride — ”reflecting our long-term belief in what Cebu can offer.”
Situated in Barangay Ibo, Lapu-Lapu City, just minutes from Mactan-Cebu International Airport, Mahi Center is a mixed-use development comprising three interconnected components.
Visitors will see a three-floor boutique lifestyle mall, a five-floor office tower and the hotel development, Fairfield by Marriott.
The location is strategic, allowing residents, workers and visitors to access retail, workspaces and accommodations within a single destination.
It reduces travel time, eases congestion and supports a more sustainable urban footprint.
A complete ecosystem for the island
Inside Mahi Center, I saw a mix of dining and retail brands, including several firsts for Lapu-Lapu City.
Among the brands now open are Metro Supermarket, Oretachi no Curry-ya, Abaca Baking Company, S&R New York Style Pizza and KFC, with more concepts set to open following the grand launch.
Beyond retail, Mahi Center’s office tower offers modern workspaces for enterprises expanding in Mactan, enabling businesses to operate closer to transport hubs and talent pools.
This integrated setup supports more efficient operations while reducing the need for long commutes.
Fairfield by Marriott Cebu Mactan
Fairfield anchors the development’s hospitality component, offering 196 rooms along with meeting and function spaces. Its location provides business travelers with a convenient base near the airport, while giving leisure guests easy access to Mactan’s beaches and cultural sites — further reinforcing the project’s compact, connected design.
“Fairfield by Marriott is built on the belief that hospitality should feel genuine. Here in Mactan, we have the privilege of adding something that is both internationally trusted and deeply local in spirit,” said Samantha Manigsaca, vice president for Hospitality of AppleOne Group.
I enjoyed the food served at Fairfield and the signature hospitality of the Cebuanos.
This is not the first Marriott brand that AppleOne brought to the Philippines. The Group is also behind Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort, a premier accommodation of 261 rooms and suites and offers ocean views of the South Pacific.
With Fairfield by Marriott, the AppleOne Group lives up to its reputation of excellence in the hospitality business.
“We are pleased to introduce Fairfield by Marriott to Mactan, an island destination that perfectly balances business dynamism with natural paradise,” said Duke Nam, regional vice president for Korea, Vietnam and Philippines, Marriott International.
“This debut reinforces our confidence in Mactan as a key gateway in the Visayas and our commitment to expanding our portfolio in high-demand destinations across the Philippines. The hotel will be part of our award-winning Marriott Bonvoy travel program, offering members more opportunities to discover the beauty and hospitality of the islands.”
Built on Fairfield’s principles of warmth, comfort and simplicity, the new property offers a stay experience designed around balance, where guests can seamlessly shift between work and relaxation.
In all, Mahi Center contributes to the local economy by generating employment across hospitality, retail, property management and facilities services. It actively engages local suppliers and service providers, creating opportunities for workforce development while strengthening community participation in economic growth.
AppleOne Group is a Cebu-based property developer and diversified business group with a growing presence in real estate, hospitality, commercial and health care.
With over 15 years of industry experience, the group is known for building purposeful developments and forging iconic partnerships that elevate the country on a global scale.
Rooted in local insight and inspired by global standards, AppleOne Group continues to grow with one clear goal: to create spaces and services that elevate the lifestyle of its communities.
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