Ray Go Manigsaca, President and CEO of AppleOne Group, has long championed purpose‑driven development in the Visayas, transforming Cebu into a vibrant hub for world‑class hospitality, healthcare, and mixed‑use infrastructure. In the recent Japan Times feature on the Philippines, he affirmed, “Our goal is to build developments that outlast trends, to build projects that elevate the region, serve people better, and stand as symbols of what can be achieved through purpose‑driven growth.” Read AppleOne’s feature on Japan Times here.
Bridges: AppleOne Group has grown remarkably in recent years. Can you walk us through the company’s growth story—what were some key milestones, and what achievements are you most proud of today?
Manigsaca: AppleOne started with a clear purpose: to build developments that make a lasting difference in Cebu, one of the Philippines’ fastest-growing regions outside of Metro Manila. From our humble beginnings as a homegrown developer, we have steadily grown into a group that now covers a range of industries, including residential, commercial, hospitality, and healthcare.
Some key milestones include 1) the launch of our flagship hospitality project Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort, which marked our bold entry into international luxury hospitality, 2) the groundbreaking of the upcoming JW Marriott Panglao Island Resort & Spa, and 3) the development of Mahi Center, a mixed-use property that supports Cebu’s role as a thriving economic and investment hub.
Another turning point was our strategic diversification into healthcare through the acquisition and revitalization of VisayasMed Hospital, a leading private hospital in Cebu, in an effort to strengthen our commitment to holistic, future-forward development. What I’m most proud of is that our growth has always been guided by the same mindset: we build not just to expand our footprint, but to uplift communities and contribute to the long-term progress of the region we call home.
Our projects are purpose-built. We don’t build for prestige, we build for impact and longevity.
Ray Go Manigsaca, President and Chief Executive Officer of AppleOne
Developments like Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort and Mahi Center have positioned AppleOne as a leader in luxury and mixed-use development in the Visayas. What do these flagship projects reveal about the company’s values, vision, and unique approach?
Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort and Mahi Center both reflect our belief that world-class development should be rooted in local authenticity, operational excellence, and long-term impact.
Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort brought a globally recognized brand to Mactan Island, one of Cebu’s top tourist destinations, while showcasing the richness of Cebuano hospitality and design. Mahi Center, on the other hand, is designed as a mixed-use business district that anticipates the evolving needs of Cebu’s business community while supporting its growing reputation as a regional hub for investment and innovation. At AppleOne, every development is guided by a deep sense of place and purpose. Our core values shape how we build. Whether it’s a luxury resort or a business hub, our goal is always the same: to create meaningful value for the people and places we serve.
In an increasingly competitive property and investment landscape, what would you say sets AppleOne apart—both in terms of product and partnership strategy?
What sets AppleOne apart is our deep understanding of the Visayas and Mindanao (VisMin) regions, our deliberate approach to placemaking, and our ability to forge strong, trust-based partnerships. We don’t just follow trends but we anticipate needs, listen to local insight, and respond with developments that are both globally competitive and regionally relevant.
Our projects are purpose-built. We don’t build for prestige, we build for impact and longevity. We also choose our partners carefully, from global hospitality brands to regional stakeholders, ensuring that every partnership aligns with our vision and adds shared value to our ecosystem.
Japan is a particularly interesting market for AppleOne’s residential developments. What have been your most valuable insights from working with Japanese partners, and how do you see these international collaborations shaping your expansion plans?
We’ve learned a great deal from our Japanese partners, particularly around precision, design excellence, and a long-term approach to customer satisfaction. Japanese investors value quality, reliability, and thoughtful design; principles that AppleOne upholds across every development.
These partnerships have inspired us to continually elevate our standards, from engineering to customer care, ensuring our projects resonate with a discerning international market. As we expand into more integrated and experiential developments, collaboration with Japanese partners is not just strategic in terms of market reach but also transformational in mindset. We welcome like-minded partners who share the same values with us.
Looking ahead, what are the top priorities for AppleOne in terms of sectoral focus or regional growth—and how do you envision strategic partnerships, both local and international, supporting this next phase?
Our focus in the next few years is on deepening our presence in sectors where we believe AppleOne can make the most meaningful impact. We’re especially looking to develop more integrated communities that blend wellness, tourism, and sustainable living in one ecosystem.
Partnerships will continue to play a major role in our growth. Whether it’s bringing in more global hospitality brands, investing in local solutions, or working with the government to improve regional infrastructure, we believe in shared progress. Our goal is to keep building purposeful developments while staying rooted in the values and communities that shaped us.
