The Philippines’ growth story is no longer confined to Metro Manila. Central Visayas led the nation in 2023 with 7.3% GRDP growth, and tourism in the region surged by nearly 80% in 2024, generating over ₱125 billion in revenue and supporting 1.5 million jobs. These numbers signal a structural shift: Visayas and Mindanao (VisMin) are no longer emerging players but central drivers of national progress.
Against this backdrop, Cebu-based AppleOne Group is positioning itself not just as a developer, but as a partner in the South’s transformation, creating spaces and services that elevate lifestyles, drive economic activity, and bring world-class standards to VisMin’s doorstep.
“We have always believed in the strength and potential of VisMin. By investing in world-class hospitality, healthcare, and energy, we are ensuring that growth in the region is inclusive, future-ready, and value-creating not only for our company but for the communities we serve,” said Ray Go Manigsaca, President and CEO of AppleOne Group.
Riding the rise of regional tourism
As travel preferences shift toward more authentic regional experiences, VisMin has become a prime destination. Cebu remains a hub for leisure and business travel, anchored by the Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort and The Residences at Sheraton Cebu Mactan under General Manager Dottie Wurgler-Cronin, which have set a new benchmark for branded luxury in the Queen City.
AppleOne is also set to open the Mahi Center in Lapu-Lapu City, less than 10 minutes from the airport, featuring office spaces, a boutique mall, and Fairfield by Marriott Cebu Mactan—a global business hotel designed for both leisure and business travelers. Leasing is being led by Jheng Caballero, VP for Leasing. Meanwhile, Diamond Suites and Residences in Cebu City continues to serve business and city-based travelers with its strategic location and modern amenities.
Building on this Cebu portfolio, AppleOne is expanding across VisMin with two landmark developments: JW Marriott Panglao Island Resort & Spa with its residential counterpart JW Marriott Residences Panglao, and Radisson Blu Hotel & Residences CDO—the first five-star hotel and branded residence in the city. Together, these projects underscore AppleOne’s commitment to shaping emerging destinations into world-class hubs for tourism, lifestyle, and business.
“Our focus is on bringing globally recognized brands into high-growth destinations across VisMin, where demand continues to outpace supply. With our current developments and those in the pipe, we aim to set new benchmarks for luxury while unlocking long-term value for our stakeholders,” said Sam Manigsaca, VP for Hospitality, AppleOne Group.
Decentralizing specialized care
For decades, patients in the South had to travel to Metro Manila or abroad for advanced treatment, burdening families and creating economic imbalance. AppleOne Medical Group (AMG), the healthcare arm of AppleOne, is bridging this gap by bringing world-class care closer to home.
By redeveloping VisayasMed Hospital Cebu into a city center for health with the newly launched Singapore Cancer Center, modernizing United Shalom Hospital in Tacloban with a sustainability-first approach, and operating Brokenshire Medical Center in Davao as both a tertiary hospital and training ground for future doctors, AMG is advancing its mission to make competent and compassionate healthcare the standard across the region.
Powering the South’s next chapter
With VisMin’s rapid growth comes greater demand for reliable energy. Aligned with the Philippines’ renewable energy roadmap which calls for 35% renewables in the energy mix by 2030, VisMin’s vast land availability makes it a natural hub for green projects.
Through its renewable energy arm, Astronergy, AppleOne is positioning itself as an early mover with its first solar farm in Zamboanga del Norte. Under the financial stewardship of its CFO Leif Bajarias, the project not only supports the local grid via a power purchase agreement with Zamboanga del Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ZANECO) but also advances the country’s renewable energy transition, ensuring that growth in the South is powered sustainably.
Partner in Progresshe project not only supports the local grid via a power purchase agreement with Zamboanga del Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ZANECO) but also advances the country’s renewable energy transition, ensuring that growth in the South is powered sustainably.
Partner in progress
Across all sectors, AppleOne’s approach remains the same and that is to partner with world-class institutions, elevate regional talent, and build with integrity. In doing so, it contributes to VisMin’s ascent not just through its own growth, but by creating multiplier effects through jobs, tourism, healthcare access, and clean energy.
“As VisMin cements its role as a growth center, AppleOne is proud to be a partner in progress and we will ensure that world-class living, care, and opportunity are no longer concentrated in the capital, but shared across down South,” Ray Go Manigsaca affirmed.
