Hotelier Hanky Lee is putting a little quirkiness and a lot of Filipino originality in his new properties.
Hanky Lee likes to call himself the “innkeeper” of The Henry Hotel. With his black-rimmed glasses and boutonniére on his jacket lapel, he cuts a dapper figure and exudes positive vibes. You can feel his presence symbolically in the two Henry Hotels he founded — a vintage bike in the lanai of Henry Hotel Manila in keeping with the 1940s architecture, and a red fiberglass sculpture of a man smiling and bowing to guests in the lobby of Henry Hotel Cebu.
Now, the easygoing hotelier is taking all that makes him and his guests happy to the shores of Mactan and Panglao for experiences like no other. By “all” we mean unique and interesting design, a strong sense of place, Filipino culture and artisanal products shaped by local hands and social enterprise.
The Henry Cebu’s Kadayawan room
“When I began traveling, I became interested in design,” Hanky says. “You start with the usual chain hotels abroad but after a while you begin looking for the unique. It’s like when you start drinking wine, you develop a palate as you refine your taste. In hotel terms, people are looking for different experiences.”
That’s exactly what Henry the brand stands for in the boutique hotel business — a little quirkiness and a lot of Filipino originality.
Hanky describes the design direction of Henry Hotel in Mactan as “one with nature.” Located on a 2.4-hectare beachfront property on Olango island off Mactan, “it will maximize the marine sanctuary in front and the bird sanctuary at the back, and will use materials that are of adaptive reuse. We’re going to be a game changer for the island in terms of elevating the options for accommodations.’
The boutique beach resort will have 30 rooms when it opens in the first quarter of 2019. “And then we’ll see, because we have room to expand, like in Henry Hotel Cebu where we’ve added 24 to our existing 38.”
Cebuano architect Ralph Reyes is leading the design team for Mactan and design features include bed runners by Cebu-based Anya Lim of Anthill, who does weave styles from all over the Philippines, from the Cordilleras to Davao.
Like Cebu, Bohol is very rich in history and Henry says Henry Hotel Panglao will reflect that, as well as the culture of Boholanos. “Henry Hotel Panglao will have a strong sense of place. We intend to go around the island to buy furniture pieces and these will be each room’s highlight.”
The Panglao hotel will be in Momo Cove and also has a swimmable beach. Eric Paras, who worked on Henry Manila, lends his artistic touch to the interiors of the four-storey, 40-room hotel.
An oasis in very busy Manila — a stone’s throw away from Mall of Asia.
“Each Henry Hotel features its own distinctive concept, but they are all built on Henry’s world-class quality service and celebration of Philippine culture,” says Hanky. “Whichever Henry Hotel you visit, you can expect to be greeted by the signature warmth, sincerity, and creativity of the Filipino people.”
Hanky’s eye for design sharpens each time he travels — as does his passion to offer unique experiences deepen. His fave destination is Melbourne “because it’s such a multi-cultural place, a true melting pot.”
Trained in Ateneo as a management engineer, Hanky grew up in a family compound in New Manila. That’s why when he first saw the Henry compound on FB Harrison with its series of postwar houses, he saw the potential right away. He rehabilitated the houses and installed period design elements such as Machuca tiles and mid-century modern-inspired chairs.
The ambience is one of city oasis — amid the very busy Taft Avenue on one side and Mall of Asia on the other side.
“The satisfaction in all this is that I’m able to highlight our country and the beauty of each place,” says Hanky.
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Visit the author’s travel blog at www.findingmyway.net. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter @iamtanyalara.
The Henry Manila is at 2680 FB Harrison St. Pasay City, and The Henry Cebu at No. 1 Paseo Saturnino, Maria Luisa Road Banilad, Cebu City. Log on to www.thehenryhotel.com, and follow The Henry at www.facebook.com/TheHenryHotel and @thehenryhotel on Instagram.