I was recently invited to moderate a panel at the 8th Hospitality Philippines Conference 2025, which was held at Marriott Manila in Pasay City and organized by the Hospitality Asia Event Series.
Let me take this opportunity to thank the organizers for their invitation as well as to congratulate them, along with everyone who took part in this landmark event. It was truly inspiring to see over 500 delegates from across the Philippine hospitality and tourism industry come together to share ideas, insights, and visions for the future.
As CEO of Italpinas Development Corporation (IDC), I take particular interest in the latest developments shaping the hospitality sector. IDC’s partnerships with global hotel brands reflect this commitment—Ascott, through its Citadines brand, for our Miramonti project in Sto. Tomas, Batangas; Alta in Primavera City in Uptown Cagayan de Oro (CDO); Dusit International, through the Dusit Princess brand, for Moena Mountain Estate in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon; and Firenze in downtown CDO. When invited to moderate a session at the conference, it felt like a natural extension of the work we pursue every day—designing spaces that integrate sustainability, local identity, and world-class hospitality.
The panel I led was titled “Designing with Nature: Landscapes, Biophilia & Bamboo in Hospitality Spaces.” And I had the privilege of sharing the stage with two young and brilliant architects—Erick Yambao of Plontur and Herbert Julius Montevirgen of HKS, Inc. Their insights were also fresh, thoughtful, and indeed, it was a joy to exchange ideas with them.
The session felt more like a free-wheeling discussion than a presentation, which made it even more engaging. We explored how hospitality spaces can—and should—embrace nature not just as decoration, but as a guiding principle. I shared my personal design mantra in designing our every project at IDC: “Listen to the place and the place will tell you what it wants to be.” I have always believed that architecture should respond to its surroundings, not impose itself on them.
The subject of biophilia is also something that is close to me because at IDC, the concept is at the heart of everything we build. It’s the idea that humans have an innate connection to nature, and that our built environments should nurture that bond. We integrate greenery into terraces, common areas, and vertical spaces to help people reconnect with nature—even in dense urban settings to improve their well-being.
Complementing biophilia is the principle of biomimicry, which means learning from nature’s systems and efficiencies. Whether it’s passive cooling inspired by termite mounds or airflow strategies modeled after forest canopies, nature offers a blueprint for sustainable design. Developers should not just design with nature; we should design like nature.
During the discussion, the concept of biocentric design was also raised— an idea that challenges us to design not only for human comfort but also for the flourishing of nature itself. It’s a compelling shift in perspective, one that aligns with the regenerative future that architecture must embrace.
Bamboo, which is endemic to Asia, emerged as another focal point. Its strength, flexibility, and deep cultural resonance make it more than just a sustainable material. Bamboo tells a story. When thoughtfully used, it transforms spaces and evokes a sense of place that is both authentic and meaningful.
Beyond materials, we also observed a broader shift across the industry: imported, thematic designs are giving way to concepts that celebrate authenticity and place. Designers and investors are recognizing that sustainability and cultural resonance are not opposing forces but complementary values. Hospitality is evolving beyond luxury. It is becoming an experience shaped by context and meaning. We could say that today, experience, in many ways, has become the new luxury.
I am glad that Hospitality Asia has continued to hold these kinds of events every year. The Philippines holds immense tourism potential. With its natural beauty, warm hospitality, and the advantage of being English-speaking, the foundation is strong. What remains is the need for improved infrastructure. Destinations like El Nido are breathtaking, but accessibility remains a challenge to this day. With better connectivity and a sustainable approach, the country can position itself as a top global destination. We need a government-private sector partnership to make this happen.
We could have explored much more during the panel, but time was limited. Still, the session offered a meaningful space for reflection and exchange—for Erick, Herbert, me, and the audience. It reminded us all why design matters, and how it can shape not just buildings but experiences. To those who joined the conversation, thank you. To those who missed it, may this glimpse into nature-driven hospitality spark fresh ideas and possibilities. The future is being built—one bamboo beam and green terrace at a time.
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