Newbie hotelier aims to stand out with “clutter-free” service concept

CEBU, Philippines - A new entrant in the hospitality industry expressed confidence to capture a significant share of Cebu’s promising accommodation market amid the stiff competition with other players in the sector.

MJ Hotel and Suites, the first venture of the Alas de Anghel Corporation, soft opened last Saturday. It is owned by the firm’s president and chief executive officer, Atty. Mathew Jo who also heads the Jo Brothers Corporation, a construction development and real estate firm.

It is a nine-storey business hotel that sits on a 600-square meter property at 80 Apitong Street, Barangay Kamputhaw in Cebu City.

Jo’s 17-year-old daughter, Madeline Elyse, shared how the dream of putting up a hotel started as a joke that became a reality.

She said that the family traveled abroad and stayed in various accommodation establishments. She added that they lightheartedly raised the idea to their father to replicate in Cebu how hotels operate in other countries such as United States.

With MJ Hotel and Suites, she said that they aim to cater to the needs of local and foreign businessmen who visit Cebu with the concept of a “clutter-free” service.

“We want to stand out. We are confident that we can function in the society. What they need is what they get,” she said. Madeline is currently studying Bachelor of Science in Accountancy at De La Salle University in Manila.

The European-inspired boutique hotel houses a total of 75 rooms of which 54 are hotel rooms while the rest are service apartelles. Its superior and deluxe rooms come in accommodation rates starting from P3,200 to P3,500.

The hotel’s basic facilities include an inside café that features fusion of Filipino and international cuisines and a function hall that can accommodate 80 to 150 individuals.

Madeline added that the family business also capitalizes on its proximity and accessibility given its strategic location in the city.

She cited that they have registered 30 percent reservations to date.

She further revealed that they will introduce entertainment programs every weekend and plan to add more rooms once MJ Hotel and Suites becomes fully operational.

She also said that they are eyeing to open another hotel to accommodate travelers and tourists once they have stabilized their position in the industry.

MJ Hotel and Suites is led by its general manager, Annabelle Dinoy, along with its 22 employees to serve its guests.

The hotel also accepts events such as meetings, conventions, conferences, birthdays, and gatherings.  (FREEMAN)