REAL ESTATE – InfoCebu

Contract Signed for New ibis Styles Hotel at Cebu Yacht Club Redevelopment

A key milestone in the transformation of Mactan’s waterfront was marked today with the signing of a hotel management agreement between Cebu Yacht Club Development Corporation and global hospitality group Accor for the future ibis Styles Cebu Mactan at Cebu Yacht Club. The agreement paves the way for Accor to operate the hotel under the ibis Styles brand as part of the site’s wider redevelopment vision.

The signing ceremony was held at ibis Styles Manila Araneta Center on 24 February 2026, and represents the first implemented component of the site’s broader redevelopment program. The planned hotel will feature 150 rooms and will rise within a mixed-use building that also integrates office and commercial spaces, creating a vibrant hub for visitors and local enterprises alike.

Representing the project partners during the ceremony were Kash Salvador for Accor; Sherwin John Uy for Primeworld Land Holdings Inc., Engr. Joseph Pepito representing St. Joseph Optimum Ventures Inc. and Ramon Carlo Yap for Priland Development Corporation, for the Consortium.

Shared Vision for a Revitalized Waterfront

Project stakeholders expressed strong optimism about the partnership and its role in reshaping the property into a renewed destination.

Kash Salvador noted that the collaboration signals confidence in the market and in the long-term potential of the location.

“We are pleased to partner with Cebu Yacht Club Development Corporation in bringing ibis Styles to this landmark site. This project aligns with our strategy to expand in dynamic destinations while offering design-forward hospitality experiences that resonate with modern travelers.”

Sherwin John Uy emphasized the consortium’s commitment to creating a development that blends local relevance with international standards.

“This hotel is an important first step in unlocking the full potential of the property. Our goal is to reintroduce the Cebu Yacht Club as a vibrant, accessible destination—one that serves both the community and visitors, while honoring its legacy.”

Ramon Carlo Yap highlighted the broader economic and urban impact of the initiative.
“We see this as more than a hotel project. It is a catalyst for renewed business activity, new investments, and meaningful placemaking that will contribute to the continued growth of Mactan as a gateway for tourism and commerce.”

Engr. Joseph Pepito underscored the technical and planning approach behind the redevelopment.

“Through thoughtful design and engineering, we aim to transform the site into a modern, resilient development that supports marina life, hospitality, and commercial uses in a cohesive environment.”

Hospitality Anchor for a Strategic Waterfront Location

The introduction of ibis Styles is envisioned to immediately activate the property by providing internationally branded accommodations at one of the most accessible gateways to Cebu. Located on Mactan Island, the site sits just minutes from Mactan-Cebu International Airport, as well as key maritime entry points, positioning it as an ideal address for business travelers, yacht owners, and tourists seeking seamless connectivity.

With proximity to major ports, commercial districts, medical institutions, and the island’s established resort corridor, the hotel is expected to serve as a convenient base for both corporate and leisure markets while reinforcing Mactan’s role as a critical link between Cebu’s economic and tourism ecosystems.

Consortium Formed to Lead Cebu Yacht Club’s Transformation

Cebu Yacht Club Development Corporation is a newly organized consortium established specifically to undertake the property’s redevelopment. The alliance combines the national-scale development experience of Primeworld Land Holdings Inc., the strong Cebu market presence of Priland Development Corporation, and the engineering and project execution expertise of St. Joseph Optimum Ventures Inc.

The mixed-use structure, including the ibis Styles hotel, is being designed by WT Architects, whose work will guide the site’s architectural character toward a contemporary waterfront expression that complements its marina setting while supporting modern hospitality and commercial functions.

Reimagining an Iconic Cebu Landmark

Long recognized as a landmark for the sailing community, Cebu Yacht Club has served as a traditional marina and social hub but has faced aging infrastructure and underutilized spaces in recent years. The redevelopment seeks to unlock its full potential through modern design, upgraded facilities, and diversified uses that extend beyond marina functions.

The planned transformation will introduce hospitality, workplace environments, retail, dining, and public-oriented spaces—revitalizing the area into a destination that supports tourism growth while energizing local commerce.

Driving Economic and Tourism Growth in Mactan

By anchoring the redevelopment with an internationally recognized hotel brand, the project establishes an early catalyst for renewed activity in the area. The initiative is expected to stimulate investment, generate employment, and elevate the overall visitor experience, contributing to the continued evolution of Mactan as both a business and leisure destination.

𝗦𝗞𝗬𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗗𝗘: 𝗖𝗘𝗕𝗨’𝗦 𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗧𝗢𝗪𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗕𝗨𝗜𝗟𝗧 𝗕𝗬 𝗟𝗢𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗗𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗦

In a city where heritage churches and colonial houses once defined the skyline, Cebu today is racing skyward, marking its place among the modern urban centers of Asia. At the heart of this transformation is the competition for the title of the tallest building in the province, a race driven not by outsiders, but by Cebu’s very own homegrown developers.

Horizons 101 Tower One: Cebu’s Highest Landmark

Standing at 185 meters (or 192 meters according to other sources) Horizons 101 Tower 1 by Taft Properties claims the title of the tallest building in Cebu. Rising proudly along General Maxilom Avenue, the tower is a landmark visible across the city’s downtown, Uptown, and even from the sea. With 55 stories, it symbolizes the boldness of a Cebuano company that dared to rise higher than anyone else in the region.

The Challenger: Masters Tower Cebu

Not far behind is Masters Tower Cebu, the flagship project of Cebu Landmasters Inc. (CLI), another proud Cebuano developer. At 172 meters, this hotel and office tower in Cebu Business Park is not just tall, it’s ambitious. More than its height, the tower carries prestige as it will house the first Sofitel hotel in the Visayas, redefining the standards of luxury in Cebu’s hospitality and business landscape.

The Predecessor: Crown Regency Hotel Fuente

Before these newer towers redefined Cebu’s skyline, the Crown Regency Hotel and Towers (Tower 1) stood as the city’s beacon of ambition. At 165 meters and 45 stories, built by Fuente Triangle Realty, it was once the tallest in Cebu and even one of the tallest outside Metro Manila. More than just a hotel, it became famous worldwide for its Sky Experience Adventure, from edge-coaster rides to skywalks—a daring blend of tourism and architectural spectacle.

Cebu Developers Leading the Race

What makes this race even more remarkable is that all three of Cebu’s tallest buildings were not built by Manila-based conglomerates or foreign giants, but by Cebuano developers with deep roots in the island. Taft Properties, Cebu Landmasters, and Fuente Triangle Realty represent Cebu’s entrepreneurial spirit—turning visions into concrete realities that now shape the skyline.

From the era of low-rise buildings and heritage structures, Cebu has transformed into a city of towering landmarks, each building not just a structure of steel and glass, but a testament to local pride and global ambition.

The race is far from over. With more projects announced, Cebu’s skyline will only continue to rise. But for now, three homegrown giants stand tallest, each one a reminder that Cebu’s reach is not just across islands, but also aiming for the sky.

The Rise of Columbaries in Cebu

A New Wave of Real Estate Investment Emerges

In recent years, Cebu has witnessed a quiet yet powerful shift in its real estate landscape , the rapid rise of columbaries as a preferred investment and memorial option. Once seen merely as sacred resting places, columbaries are now gaining ground as high-value properties, attracting both end-users and bulk-buying investors who recognize their long-term potential.

At the forefront of this trend is the True Vine Garden Columbary, an architecturally striking, Kenneth Cobonpue-inspired garden columbary envisioned to be one of the most luxurious in the country. True Vine has been drawing attention not just for its serene ambiance but also for its impressive investment performance. Inurnments at the property are steadily picking up, and investors are flocking in, purchasing niches in bulk.

Market watchers note that prices at True Vine Garden Columbary have appreciated by an average of 15% per year, a figure that rivals returns from some traditional real estate sectors. This consistent growth has fueled a surge in confidence, turning what was once a sentimental purchase into a strategic addition to many investors’ portfolios.

Adding to the momentum are two newly launched columbaries that have entered the Cebu market within just 60 days. Golden Gate Memorial Garden and Columbary in Daanbantayan, and the San Vicente Parish Columbary in San Vicente, Liloan. Their swift emergence signals a strong and growing demand for memorial spaces in northern Cebu, a region that is also seeing a rise in residential and commercial developments.

Golden Gate Memorial Garden, Daanbantayan, Cebu

Industry insiders say the rise of columbaries is being driven by several factors: increasing land scarcity, the shift toward more sustainable and space-efficient memorial options, and a cultural shift in how Filipinos approach end-of-life planning. For many Cebuanos, pre-need columbary investments are becoming as normal as buying a condominium or memorial lot.

With prices climbing, demand surging, and new players entering the scene, the columbary sector in Cebu is no longer a niche. It has become one of the fastest-growing segments in local real estate, and for many, a lasting legacy that also makes sound financial sense.

BANILAD ROAD: Cebu’s Billionaire Boulevard

Officially labeled as Gov. M Cuenco Avenue, but for this article, we prefer to call it by its more commonly known name.

Banilad Road is quickly shedding its old identity as a sleepy thoroughfare and emerging as one of Cebu’s most prestigious addresses. Where once there were quiet residential enclaves and vacant patches of land, there now tower cranes of glass and concrete skyscrapers and gated estates. This corridor has become the playground of the country’s top developers and the favored home base of Cebu’s elite.

Rockwell, Arthaland, Shang Properties, all synonymous with luxury, are in the thick of construction here. Each project promises not only high-end residences but also curated lifestyle hubs: cafés, boutique retail, wellness centers, and concierge-level services that define the modern urban elite experience. The sight of cranes, bulldozers, and rising concrete structures tells the story of a new chapter in Cebu real estate, a chapter written for those who want nothing less than world-class living within the city.

But what truly sets Banilad Road apart is its backyard: the Cebu Country Club Golf Course. For decades, the club has been the benchmark of exclusivity. Its manicured greens and tree-lined fairways form the centerpiece of this luxury corridor, serving as both a status symbol and a sanctuary. To live along Banilad is not merely to own a home; it is to belong to a community where wealth is generational, privacy is paramount, and prestige is quietly understood.

Here, mornings begin not with the rush of traffic but with the soft whirr of a golf cart. Members and residents enjoy unhurried games under the shade of decades-old acacia trees. At the clubhouse, quiet conversations over brunch often carry more weight than boardroom meetings. The club is where business, leisure, and family converge seamlessly, its social calendar as exclusive as its guest list.

The presence of the golf course also gives the area a rare character. Unlike the congested commercial strips of Cebu, Banilad Road feels spacious. Wide sidewalks and landscaped perimeters buffer residents from the city’s chaos. The hum of Teslas and European SUVs is a common background sound, often accompanied by uniformed drivers waiting patiently outside shaded porticos. Everything in this corridor is designed for ease, comfort, and discretion.

This mix of old money and new affluence is what makes Banilad Road fascinating. The Country Club represents Cebu’s established families, whose influence is woven into the city’s history. Meanwhile, Rockwell, Arthaland, Shang, and Filinvest are bringing in a new generation of homeowners—young entrepreneurs, returning global Filipinos, and executives who see Cebu not just as a hometown but as a rising global hub. Along Banilad, the past and future of Cebu’s wealth meet, literally side by side.

Of course, exclusivity comes at a price. Property values along Banilad Road have surged in recent years, with lots near the golf course commanding premiums once thought unimaginable in Cebu. Real estate insiders whisper that the next wave of launches here could rival Makati and BGC in terms of pricing, as Cebu asserts itself as the Philippines’ southern economic capital. And yet, demand never falters. For the ultra-wealthy, owning a home here is not just about square meters, it is about securing an address that speaks volumes.

Banilad Road is a statement of aspiration, a corridor of prestige, and perhaps, the clearest symbol of Cebu’s rising power. To live here is to belong to the city’s most rarefied circle, where luxury is not displayed loudly, but enjoyed quietly, just beyond the hedges of the golf course.

So it is just fitting to be called the boulevard of billionaires and those aspiring to be.

Golden Gate Memorial Gardens: A Timeless Investment in Daanbantayan, Cebu

In the Philippines, we often talk about investing in condominiums, house-and-lots, or commercial properties. But there is one type of real estate investment that many overlook yet it carries both financial wisdom and emotional value: pre-selling memorial gardens.

Unlike other assets, memorial lots are not just pieces of land. They are sacred spaces where families find comfort, remembrance, and peace. And while it may be uncomfortable to talk about, preparing ahead is one of the most meaningful legacies you can leave behind.

Golden Gate Memorial Gardens: A First for Daanbantayan

One remarkable example is Golden Gate Memorial Gardens, a new pre-selling project in Calape, Daanbantayan, Cebu. It is the first high-end memorial garden in town, designed not only as a place of rest but also as a landmark of serenity and heritage.

Golden Gate will feature:

Lawn lots and Family estates for dignified spaces of remembrance

A modern chapel for solemn gatherings and reflection

A columbarium for families choosing cremation

Kids playground

A cozy coffee shop, yes you’ve read it right!

And its iconic centerpiece, The Sentinel, a stunning 23-meter obelisk that will stand as a symbol of legacy, love, and eternal memory.

Importantly, Golden Gate already has its License to Sell from the government, which means buyers can invest with full confidence in the project’s legitimacy and security.

Timing Matters: Groundbreaking and Introductory Pricing

The groundbreaking ceremony is set for September 5, marking the beginning of this landmark development. Until that date, Golden Gate is offering its lots at an introductory price, making it the best time to invest.

After the groundbreaking, prices will increase, reflecting the project’s added value as construction begins. Early investors will not only secure the most affordable rates but also maximize the appreciation of their investment in the coming years.

A Growing and Everlasting Demand

Unlike condominiums or subdivisions where market demand may fluctuate, memorial gardens carry a demand that never diminishes. Every Filipino family will eventually need a resting place for their loved ones. This reality makes memorial lots one of the most stable and recession-proof investments.

Protecting Loved Ones from Future Burdens

The most emotional aspect of this investment is its impact on your family. In times of grief, the last thing we want our loved ones to worry about are rising costs and last-minute arrangements. Having a memorial garden secured in advance spares your family from additional emotional and financial stress.

A Legacy Beyond Wealth

When you buy a memorial lot today, you are not only making a sound financial move—you are also giving your family the gift of foresight. You are telling them: “I have thought of you. I want to make things easier when the time comes.”

Real estate will always be a wise investment, but investing in Golden Gate Memorial Gardens in Daanbantayan, Cebu carries a deeper meaning. With its world-class design, and limited time introductory pricing before its September 5 groundbreaking, Golden Gate is an investment in land and an investment in peace of mind, family legacy, and eternal remembrance.

Memorial LTS No. 058

Columbarium LTS No. 0002202

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