Set to be unveiled today, March 26, in Makati City, the new product stitches together Balesin Island (formerly Balesin Island Club), Balesin City (formerly The City Club), and Balesin Pines (formerly Alphaland Baguio Mountain Lodges) into one slick offering.
Members will get access to any of these three destinations, giving them flexibility to jet between tropical luxury, mountain tranquility, and urban opulence. Each membership will come with eight free nights per year to use in any of these properties.
Word is that the company is targeting second-generation Balesin families, Manila-based executives, and even younger high-net-worth individuals looking for vacation flexibility without owning multiple properties.
With this new product, the company founded by the late Roberto Ongpin is now doing away with the three membership tiers that have been in place since it opened its doors in 2012. Previously, one could buy a gold membership for P2.5 million with seven free nights a year, a diamond membership with 14 nights per year, or a platinum membership for P6.5 million with 28 free nights a year.
It can get confusing, so the current management under Alphaland chair Eric Recto, vice chair Anna Ongpin, and returning president Dennis Valdes decided to streamline the offerings.
At P2 million a pop, it’s not loose change—but considering the cost of individual memberships and nightly rates, the math is compelling for Alphaland’s core market.
With Balesin Key, it’s not just about the destination anymore—it’s about bundling prestige, privacy, and perks into one minimalist swipe.
As travel picks up and the elite continue seeking both exclusivity and convenience, don’t be surprised if Balesin Key becomes the next must-have metal card for Manila’s moneyed set.
Oh, we know what the existing 1,500 or so existing upper tier members of Balesin are wondering: Will they see their annual free night entitlements reduced under the new scheme?
The answer is absolutely not. There will be no diminution of benefits for existing members… making those shares even more valuable now, no?
Senior Reporter
