Hann Resorts' Vision Culminates in a World-Class Golf Destination
Main photo: Illustrative perspective of Hann Reserve, a 450-hectare mountain golf destination opening in New Clark City, Tarlac, in the next five years.
In 2005, Korean businessman Dae Sik Han stepped off a plane at Clark International Airport, a relatively underutilized former U.S. air base, and was met with a contradiction. The sprawling, verdant landscape of Clark offered immense natural beauty and the promise of an international gateway, yet the hospitality infrastructure lagged significantly. This seemingly simple realization would spark a vision that, nearly two decades later, has culminated in Hann Resorts – a pioneering integrated resort that stands as a testament to the power of foresight.
It operates two properties: the 11-hectare estate Hann Casino Resort in Clark Freeport, Mabalacat, Pampanga; and the soon-to-open 450-hectare luxury mountain golf destination called Hann Reserve in New Clark City, Tarlac. The two spaces follow the business model of an integrated resort (IR), which by definition, seamlessly combines luxurious accommodations, gaming, entertainment, high-end retail, fine dining, and versatile convention spaces, providing all-inclusive leisure and hospitality experiences tailored to evolving traveler preferences.
Hann Casino Resort in Clark Freeport, Mabalacat, Pampanga
ALSO READ:
A Hong Kong Company Is Investing P68 Billion on a New Integrated Resort-Casino in Manila
For Han, whose background was rooted in construction and cement in Korea, his initial visit to Clark was merely to entertain clients. Yet, the seed of a business opportunity was planted. He saw what others didn't–or perhaps, weren't yet ready to see.
"In 2005, when I came to Clark, I heard about this Clark Airport. And I was thinking, 'Wow, it's going to be pretty interesting to look into this business opportunity'," Han recounted in an interview clip recorded from the 2023 ASEAN Gaming Summit at the Manila Marriott hotel. He recognized the Philippines' geographical advantage as "the nearest tropical country from Korea," boasting good weather, and for him, the ease of communication with English-speaking locals was an added bonus.
"To me, like, it was kind of common sense, 'Okay, let's utilize what was given back to the Philippine government'," he stated. His core belief was simple yet profound: "I believe that there will be a time that Clark will be somehow developed and spotlighted because of this potential airport development. That is the main reason why I decided to come to Clark." This conviction, formed two decades ago, became the bedrock of Hann Resorts.
Hann Resorts' Big Bet in Clark
Han decided to incorporate in 2006, and by 2007, development was underway, coinciding with the hiring of key personnel, including the individual who would later become a primary voice in the interview. Starting with Widus Hotel Clark, his bold investments significantly shaped the hospitality and gaming landscape of Clark.
One of the most defining moments in Hann Resorts' early history was the launch of its casino. Having secured a PAGCOR license in September 2009, the pressure was on to open swiftly. "We have to find a way to be able to open the casino as soon as we can, which was December of 2009. So the design, the construction, the pre-opening, we did in three months," Agnes "Neki" Liwanag, Hann Resorts' Vice President of Real Estate & Property Development, shared to members of the press during a visit last June 26. This wasn't merely a business expansion; it was an all-in wager. "At that time, that's all of Mr. Han's money. He invested everything in that casino."
Liwanag recalled Han's personal struggle during those early days: "There was a time that the casino was losing and he couldn't sleep because he was just there watching the surveillance because, 'If this guy wins, I don't know what to do.'" Fortunately, the big bet paid off; the casino found its success.
Collaborating With International Brands
Han’s foresight wasn't limited to his initial assessment of Clark; it extended to understanding the future market for luxury hospitality. In 2018, Hann Resorts achieved a significant milestone with the opening of the Clark Marriott Hotel—the first international five-star hotel in the region. This was no easy feat.
Clark Marriott's Deluxe King Master Bedroom
"Marriott actually, when I was talking to them way back, they don't want to give us the brand Marriott because they think Clark is not ready. The market for a five-star is not in Clark," Liwanag revealed. This admission highlights the skepticism towards Clark as a high-end destination at the time. "But with Mr. Han's vision, he was able to convince them. So they were in. And now, look at Marriott. Their occupancy is 95 to 98 percent." This success story not only validated Han's foresight but also altered the perception of Clark as a viable luxury market.
Swissotel's Vitality Suite features a cyber-trainer, with swing bells and cable pull.
The opening of Swissôtel Clark in 2022, the Philippines’ first Swissôtel, and the current Hann Casino Resort in December 2021 further underscored the property owner's resilience and forward-thinking. This complex undertaking occurred "in the middle of COVID." Despite construction stops, logistical nightmares, and Han being physically in Korea for two years, the team pressed on. "Everything was already there so we don't know, are we going to continue? Are we going to stop? Are we just going to wait for everything to pass? It was so difficult... But we were able to open in December of 2021."
The Evolution of a Vision: From Single Resort to an Ecosystem
What began as a single hotel and casino rapidly evolved into a grander "ecosystem" – the Hann Resorts brand structure. The initial business motivation, driven by potential, matured into a deeper purpose: to "create an experience." As Liwanag articulated, "Basically, that's the main goal. We create good memories. We create an experience of lifestyle. We create moments actually, moments that you will remember. And we want to share that with everyone." This commitment to indelible experiences is present in all of Hann's developments.
The Atrium at Swissôtel Clark is a tropical-themed lobby bar.
The existing hub in Pampanga, the 11-hectare Hann Casino Resort, features over 800 luxurious rooms (across Clark Marriott, Swissôtel Clark, and Widus Hotel), 240 gaming tables, 1,137 slot machines, 72 electronic table games, and a diverse culinary lineup of 18 restaurants under one roof. The recent addition of 8th Avenue Lifestyle Mall complements these offerings, presenting premium retail and dining, along with Taboo, the upscale bar in Clark.
8th Avenue Lifestyle Mall houses shopping, dining, and more entertainment brands.
A forthcoming expansion, highlighted by a 3,500 sqm canyon-inspired gaming space, will further enhance the resort’s customer-centric approach, raising hospitality standards even higher. It promises an additional 52 gaming tables, 578 slot machines, 329 new parking slots, and three new restaurants. A total of 978 room keys, 24 storeys, and 848 parking slots are also expected to be added through Hann Casino Resorts' newest partners: InterContinental and Novotel. The new hospitality names will house 11 dining outlets, a 1000-seater ballroom, plenty of meeting rooms, a golf simulator, a sports bar, an infinity pool, a spa, a gym, and the works.
The ongoing expansion behind Hann Casino Resort features more gaming space, and behind it: InterContinental and Novotel.
Then, there's the 450-hectare Hann Reserve in New Clark City, Tarlac, which showcases strategic collaborations with global leaders like Marriott International, Accor Group, and the PGA of America. This ambitious project will host three signature golf courses crafted by legendary designers Jack Nicklaus, Sir Nick Faldo, and KJ Choi, alongside the country's inaugural PGA-affiliated player development facilities. This comprehensive development also includes international hospitality brands, residences, an international school, wellness amenities, a commercial center, and a public park.
The construction timeline of Hann Reserve, as presented by Agnes "Neki" Liwanag, Hann Resorts' Vice President of Real Estate & Property Development.
The project is set to open phase by phase: end of 2025 for both the Jack Nicklaus Golf Course and Golf & Country Club, end of 2026 for a part of the public park, end of 2027 for the KJ Choi Golf Course, end of 2029 for Faldo Course, and end of 2030 for the Golf Residences. The international school is set to open for the academic year 2029-2030, with international school residences expected by the end of 2030 for the families of students. The integrated resort is also set to open by 2030. The entire development comes with an estimated U.S. $3 billion investment.
The deliberate distinction between the "busy lifestyle" of Hann Casino Resort and the "calm down, enjoy nature" vibe of Hann Reserve showcases a sophisticated understanding of market segmentation and complementary offerings. Importantly, they are synchronized to allow guests to "enjoy both" with just a 15-20 minute drive, creating a broader, more appealing destination, the VP explained.
Beyond the Borders: A Dedication to Clark
According to Liwanag, Han's commitment to Clark is absolute. He has "already let go of his business interest in Korea to focus on [Hann Resorts]," bringing "all his interests here" and his "entire family." This deep personal investment ensures sustained focus and long-term planning for the two properties.
The future of Hann Resorts remains rooted in its foundational foresight. Liwanag noted that they have "maxed out our land inside Clark" for the existing resort, necessitating the expansion into the vast Hann Reserve property. This foresight in securing additional land ensures continued growth. They are now anticipating the approval of an amendment to the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) charter, granting it the power to sell properties for residential development. This further underlines their forward-looking strategies to attract more long-term residents and investors, cementing Clark's status as a premier lifestyle hub.
