The Ascott Limited is a globally recognized serviced residence and hospitality brand with an enduring, industry-defining legacy built on a strong global presence across 40 countries, exceptional service, and diverse accommodations. Ascott was the first international-class serviced residence in the Asia Pacific in 1984, and expanded to the Philippines in 2000.
This year, Ascott marks its 25th anniversary in the country with a Filipino-themed Silver Jubilee Anniversary event on June 16 at the National Museum of Natural History in Manila.
“It is an incredible milestone that serves as a powerful testament to our sustained commitment to excellence and innovation,” said Ascott Philippines country general manager Patrick Vaysse. “We look forward to many more decades of growth here in the Philippines.”
Ascott entered the Philippine market with the opening of Somerset Millennium Makati in 2000. Since then, the company has scaled to 17 properties in major cities nationwide, while elevating service experiences to global standards through five distinct brands: Ascott, Oakwood, Citadines, Somerset, and lyf.
The 25th anniversary celebration of Ascott captured the company’s journey in the Philippines. Setting the mood was a showcase of world-class talent, featuring the opening act by the Philippine Ballet Theatre and Quartet Manila. Ballerinas guided guests and Ascott officials in placing 2,000 electronic candles along the steps of the National Museum.
Key figures in Ascott’s journey in the Philippines were also given the spotlight. Vaysse and Ascott chief strategy officer and managing director for Southeast Asia Kar Ling Wong expressed gratitude to everyone who had been part of the company’s success.
The dining experience was also a major component of Ascott’s 25th-anniversary festivities. Joining forces to create the sumptuous selection was a dream team of culinary masters from different properties of Ascott Philippines: Citadines Bay City Manila, Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila, Citadines Roces Quezon City, Joy Nostalg Hotel and Suites Manila, and Citadines Bacolod City. The menu included Solana salad of grilled eggplant and local mesclun with mango vinaigrette; Maharlika Pillowettes Soup, chicken and shrimp-filled ravioli with wild mushroom soup topped with crispy beef jerky and microgreens; and a choice between Surf ‘n Turf of Chicken Inasal Roulade and Crab Cake or Sultada Surf ‘n Turf. The former reimagined the famous Bacolod Chicken Inasal, while the latter was a bold blend of filet mignon and lump crab cake. Rounding out the menu was Negros Fadriga Cacao, a fusion of locally sourced ingredients in one dessert: Fadriga Cacao, Negros Robusta, and Batuan.
In the spirit of celebration, Ascott’s Silver Jubilee Anniversary also recognized the important stakeholders who helped shape the company’s evolution over the past 25 years. The night’s first Diamond Star Award was handed to Melesa “Elsie” Chua, owner of Ascott’s first property in the Philippines, Somerset Millennium Makati. Several property owners also received awards.
Part and parcel of Ascott’s success in the Philippines over the past 25 years is the Ascott Cares Programme. Recognized with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)-Committed status for its meaningful efforts for people and the planet, Ascott is committed to extending its culture of care and hospitality through its business and across its supply chain.
In the Philippines, Ascott reached another milestone in its commitment to sustainability and community support, as the company proudly donated P294,720 to the Kabang Kalikasan ng Pilipinas Foundation Inc. The funds were raised from a year-long campaign, which ran from March 5, 2024 to March 31, 2025, that called on guests to support the cause by purchasing any of Ascott’s delightful plush characters: Cubby, Tami the Tamaraw, Paw the Pawikan, Guila the Philippine Eagle, and Tara the Tarsier.
Ascott’s expansion in the Philippines carries on, as it looks to have 30 properties and 6,000 keys by 2028. This year alone, Ascott Philippines is preparing for the opening of Somerset properties in Valero Makati and Gorordo Cebu.
Meanwhile, Ascott keeps its 25th-anniversary momentum going by treating guests to special rewards. The first 25 guests to complete five unique overnight stays across Ascott Philippines’ different brands (Ascott, Oakwood, Citadines, Somerset, and lyf), or five stays within a single brand, will receive 25,000 Ascott Star Rewards points. Each participating stay includes a complimentary breakfast, along with a specially curated Horizons Campaign welcome kit and access to premier amenities across Ascott properties.
Keep track of the latest announcements and exclusive offers by following @discoverasrphilippines on Instagram and Discover ASR Philippines on Facebook. Visit https://www.discoverasr.com/en/offers/on-the-horizon-25-years-of-ascott-in-the-philippines for more information.
