Hospitality

Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC) recently held the groundbreaking ceremony for Grand Summit Pangasinan—its first Grand Summit property in Northern Luzon. Set within the growing Robinsons Place Pangasinan complex in Calasiao, the seven-story hotel is scheduled to open by 2027 and will cater to both business and leisure travelers. The property will be operated by RLC’s hospitality arm, Robinsons Hotels and Resorts (RHR).

The ceremony on July 8, 2025 was graced by Mayor Patrick Agustin Caramat and Vice Mayor Kevin Roy Quinto Macanlalay of the Municipality of Calasiao, who welcomed the project as a boost to local tourism and economic development. They were joined by top executives from RLC and its partners, including Mybelle V. Aragon-GoBio, President and CEO of Robinsons Land; Barun Jolly, Senior Vice President and Business Unit General Manager of Robinsons Hotels and Resorts (RHR); Annalyn Yap, Vice President of RHR; Ronald Paulo, Senior Vice President for Construction Management at RLC; Albert Yu, Principal Architect of ASYA Design; and Mario Rossi, President of Advanced Foundation Construction System.

Once completed, Grand Summit Pangasinan will be a full-service hotel featuring 100 rooms—including deluxe rooms, junior and executive suites ranging from 38 to 116 square meters. Amenities include an all-day dining restaurant, lobby lounge, outdoor pool and bar, fitness center, spa, ballroom and meeting rooms.

Strategically located along the Dagupan–Urdaneta Road and just 15 minutes from Dagupan City, the hotel will offer easy access to many of Pangasinan’s cultural and natural attractions. Nearby destinations include the centuries-old Saints Peter and Paul Parish Church and the revered Basilica of Our Lady of Manaoag. For those willing to venture farther, the iconic Hundred Islands National Park and the scenic beaches of Cape Bolinao—both within a 2- to 3-hour drive—offer unforgettable coastal escapes.

In a previously released statement, Aragon-GoBio said the project reflects RLC’s continued commitment to regional growth. “Our developments across Northern and Central Luzon reflect Robinsons Land’s long-term vision of inclusive growth. By seamlessly integrating our businesses across retail, residential, hospitality, offices, and logistics, we aim to foster thriving communities and contribute to broader national progress.”

Jolly also focused on the importance of Calasiao’s location in RLC’s hospitality strategy. “Northern Luzon continues to evolve as a dynamic hub for travel and commerce, and Calasiao stands out as a place where local character and regional connectivity come together,” he said. “We purposefully design our hotels to reflect the unique energy of the places they rise in—and in Calasiao, we saw the perfect opportunity to create something that speaks to both leisure and business travelers.”

The Pangasinan hotel joins the growing Grand Summit portfolio, which includes the flagship property in General Santos City and a forthcoming at NUSTAR Resort and Casino in Cebu.

The project reinforces RLC’s broader presence in Northern Luzon, where it operates malls, residential communities, and office spaces in key provinces. In Pampanga, the company is also developing the 216-hectare Montclair Destination Estate in Porac—an integrated development featuring homes, retail, offices, green open spaces, and hotels.

With Grand Summit Pangasinan, Robinsons Land continues to expand its hospitality footprint and deliver thoughtfully designed destinations that elevate local tourism and support inclusive progress.

Photo:

From Left – Aaron Yu, Architect and Design Director of ASYA Design, Engr. Ronald Paulo, SVP of Robinsons Land Corporation Construction Management, Hon. Kevin Roy Quinto Macanlalay, Vice Mayor of Municipality of Calasiao, Pangasinan, Mybelle GoBio, President and CEO of Robinsons Land Corporation, Hon. Patrick Agustin Caramat, Mayor of Municipality of Calasiao, Pangasinan, Barun Jolly, SVP and Business Unit General Manager of Robinsons Hotels and Resorts, Annalyn Yap, Vice President of Robinsons Hotels and Resorts, Lourdes Lucido, Director of Projects and Design of Robinsons Hotels and Resorts, Engr. Benjie Ramos of Advanced Foundation Construction, Ar. Albert Yu, Principal Architect of Asya Design.

Davao City – Park Inn by Radisson Davao is proud to announce its recent recognition by the Department of Tourism (DOT) as the first Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishment in the Davao Region. This milestone underscores the hotel’s strong commitment to inclusive hospitality and culturally sensitive service.

The recognition was awarded in accordance with DOT Memorandum Circular 2024-003, which outlines the amended guidelines for Muslim-friendly accommodation establishments. This distinction is granted to DOT-accredited properties that meet clearly defined standards—ranging from religious considerations to dietary accommodations.

These measures include providing prayer mats, installing Qibla direction markers, placing Qur’ans in guest rooms, and offering flexible meal options upon request—such as strictly no-pork or other Muslim-friendly alternatives. The hotel also maintains a dedicated non-pork station at its daily breakfast buffet and ensures that team members are trained in culturally respectful service.

Muslim team members within the kitchen and food & beverage service teams further strengthen this commitment. Their presence fosters greater cultural awareness and attentiveness to guest needs, often providing an added level of reassurance to Muslim diners. Guests can also interact with servers in familiar dialects, creating a friendlier, more welcoming environment that enhances the overall comfort of their stay.

On May 30, the official certificate was awarded by DOT Region XI Regional Director Tanya Rabat-Tan to the hotel, with General Manager Sven Toune, Director of Sales and Marketing Liza Gamo, and Front Office Muslim representative Razul Gregorio receiving it on behalf of the team.

Further demonstrating its advocacy for inclusive hospitality, Park Inn by Radisson Davao also took part in the Philippine Halal Trade and Tourism Expo 2025 last June 18-20, 2025 as one of the patron sponsors and exhibitors.

The event concluded with the Halal Friendly Culinary Olympics, where the hotel’s Executive Sous Chef, Chef Vance Bolivar, showcased his creative rendition of Tiyula Itum through the Tiyula Itum Steak Medallion—a modern interpretation of the traditional Tausug dish. Typically served as a soup, Chef Vance reimagined it as a deconstructed plate by searing a tender cut of beef tenderloin and finishing it with a rich, dark sauce made from charred coconut and spices. The dish highlighted authentic flavors while demonstrating refined culinary techniques and elegant presentation.

Chef Vance drew inspiration from Chef Aira, a member of his culinary team who is Tausug, infusing the dish with authentic cultural roots. The entry earned 2nd place, underscoring the team’s culinary creativity, cultural respect, and growing expertise in Muslim-friendly food preparation.

The Department of Tourism Region XI commended the hotel for setting a standard in the local hospitality industry and for its pivotal role in making the Davao region a more accessible destination for travelers.

Ultimately, this recognition reaffirms Park Inn by Radisson Davao’s position as one of the trailblazers in inclusive hospitality, inspiring other establishments to follow suit. After all, building a more welcoming and culturally considerate tourism landscape is not just good practice—it is good hospitality.

Robinsons Land Breaks Ground on Grand Summit Pangasinan, Bringing Upscale Hospitality to Northern Luzon

Park Inn by Radisson Davao Recognized as the First DOT-Accredited Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishment