The upcoming Fili Hotel Bridgetowne has been named Asia’s Leading New Luxury Hotel Development Project 2026 by the World Travel Awards (WTA), giving RLC international recognition ahead of the property’s scheduled opening.
Why it matters
The Bridgetowne property will mark Fili’s expansion beyond its flagship hotel at the NUSTAR Integrated Resort in Cebu and give Robinsons Hotels and Resorts (RHR) a five-star Filipino brand in the country’s biggest hotel market.
RHR positions Fili as the Philippines’ first and only homegrown Filipino five-star hotel brand. The name is derived from “Filipino,” with the concept drawing on local art, craftsmanship and the history of its destinations.
RLC President and CEO Mybelle Aragon-GoBio said the company created Fili nearly five years ago based on its belief that Filipino talent and enterprise could develop luxury hospitality experiences that compete internationally.
“This is an important gateway for us to bring the warmth and character of Philippine hospitality to Asia,” she said.
Bigger footprint
Fili’s expansion is backed by RHR’s broader hotel network, which includes 27 owned properties with more than 4,000 rooms across 10 brands.
The portfolio covers luxury and upscale hotels as well as midscale and essential-value properties, giving RHR operating experience across different market segments.
Its network reaches 20 locations around the Philippines, including Cebu, General Santos, Davao, Iligan, Butuan, Bacolod, Iloilo, Dumaguete, Tacloban and Tagaytay.
The geographic spread allows the company to tap demand outside the country’s traditional tourism and business centers while creating hospitality jobs in regional markets.
RHR was also named the Philippines’ Leading Hotel Group at the 2026 World Travel Awards for the second consecutive year. Grand Summit Hotel General Santos was recognized as the Philippines’ Leading City Hotel, while Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu was named the Philippines’ Leading Family Resort.
Filipino identity
RLC senior vice president and RHR business unit GM Barun Jolly said the hotel group’s strategy rests on its diversified network and its approach to guest service.
At the Sept. 27 awards ceremony, Jolly pointed to “Hospitality by Heart,” RHR’s service philosophy centered on what he described as genuine and empathetic service.
“Let’s deliver true, genuine, empathetic service and let people remember the time they spend with us,” he said.
RLC has also developed luxury properties including The Westin Manila and NUSTAR Hotel Cebu.
With Fili Hotel Bridgetowne, the property developer is seeking to translate that experience into a distinctly Filipino luxury brand that can grow beyond its Cebu origins and eventually reach a broader Asian market. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
