This is Where MVP Stays When He’s in Baguio City

It’s never been easier and more convenient to go up north to Baguio City for a quick weekend getaway. The traditional “Summer Capital of the Philippines” recorded a 4.8 percent increase in visitor arrivals for 2025, from about 1.489 million in 2024 to 1.56 million last year, no doubt thanks to better infrastructure and more bus trips from Manila.

There’s also no shortage of places to stay, from budget home stays to the most luxurious hotels and resorts, when you’re in the city. On the upper end of that spectrum is a true Baguio landmark: The Manor at Camp John Hay, which has since been renamed the Garden Wing of John Hay Hotels.

Recently, the property completed a major refurbishment of its Chairman’s Royal Suite, where one of the country’s top tycoons and the chairman of the MVP Group of Companies, Manny V. Pangilinan, stays when he’s in the city.

ALSO READ

At Baguio Mountain Man, Forget Fancy and Expect Amazing

A 48-Hour Detour Around the Vignettes and Duwendes of Baguio City

Camp John Hay itself dates back to the early 1900s, when American colonial administrators developed Baguio as a mountain retreat to escape the heat of the lowlands. The camp served as a rest-and-recreation facility for the U.S. military for most of the 20th century. Even after the base was turned over to the Philippine government in the 1990s, the area retained its character—wide roads, pine forests, and an atmosphere that feels calmer and more serene than most parts of the city.

When The Manor opened in 2001, it quickly became one of Baguio’s most recognizable hotels, particularly for the upscale crowd, drawn by its lodge-style architecture, stone fireplace lounge, and sweeping views of the pine-covered hills. While it’s true that there are numerous choices for places to stay in the city, there really is nothing quite like staying at The Manor.

In 2025, Landco Lifestyle Ventures (LLV), which is a subsidiary of Landco Pacific Corporation (LPC), took over the management of The Manor and the adjacent The Forest Lodge at Camp John Hay. (The MVP Group, through the Metro Pacific Investments Corp., gained full ownership of LPC in 2022). LLV expanded the offerings of the property, including what’s now called the Garden Wing where the Chairman’s Royal Suite is located.

Walking into the suite is an experience in itself. Located on one end of the second floor hallway, the door to the suite opens up to a small foyer and two more doors on either side. The two rooms have a total of four bedrooms and two living and dining areas. It measures roughly 290 square meters, making it easily one of the largest accommodations in Baguio City.

The interiors are understated but comfortable, with furniture in neutral colors and large panoramic windows that overlook either the pine forest surrounding Camp John Hay or the main John Hay open area. Sliding doors open up to balconies where the views are even more impressive and the cool, crisp air offers a reminder of why people have been coming to Baguio for more than a century.

Breakfast, of course, is at Le Chef, which has been nourishing guests at the Manor for years. The buffet offers everything from warm pastries, steaming champorado, and Western and Filipino breakfast staples, including fresh coffee that’s incredibly satisfying in the cool mountain air.

Guests can choose to hole up inside the suite, get a massage treatment at the Garden Wing Spa, or play a round of golf at the Camp John Hay Golf Club. Evenings are best spent at the Fireplace Lounge, with its familiar large stone hearth, soft lighting, and comfortable seating.

But anyone staying at the Chairman’s Royal Suite would be forgiven if they choose to hibernate inside the room and just chill and relax. The space is clearly designed for exactly that—a warm, inviting spot for couples, families or friends to get together and cherish each other’s company. It’s the perfect choice for anyone heading up to Baguio looking for comfort, serenity, and luxury.