Sustainability and Connectivity: How Seda Hotels in Cebu Transformed With the Times
Upon entering Seda Ayala Center Cebu, guests are treated to subtle Filipino touches left and right. Collaborations with designers like Ann Pamintuan and Kenneth Cobonpue, plus images of Mayumi (the Ayalas' adopted eagle and now symbol among its Seda portfolio) are part of this renewed direction for the brand. Considering that the hotel stands on the same grounds as international hotel brand Marriott in the Cebu city center, it's done pretty well for itself.
Replacing an old icon in the city in the Marriott, Seda Ayala Center Cebu underwent extensive renovation and reopened in 2018. The 301-room development right at the heart of the city's central business district has now become a Filipino-branded urban retreat. Its Seda network, coupled with the brand's more localized direction and sustainable practices, has made it one of the more exciting developments in the area.
"The transition wasn't difficult," Gwen Dela Cruz, Seda Ayala Center Cebu General Manager, says of the change in leadership. "We can really say we're a Filipino brand. They (guests) see an all-Filipino team. The way our staff interacts should accommodate all kinds of people and be personalized. We empower our staff to be independent."
The revamped lobby
A More Localized Approach at Seda Hotels
Room types range from the 30-sqm Deluxe Room to the 88-sqm Seda suite. Rooms come with privileged access to the Club Lounge on the 12th floor. Here, they are provided with complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea, and cocktails. Business travelers also get complimentary use of the private meeting room when needed.
Speaking of corporate and social events, the Sampaguita Ballrooms offer a total capacity of 300 people across 564 sqm of space. Rooms such as Gumamela, Rosal, and Adelfa, among other meeting spaces, enjoy about 75 to 93 sqm of space, good enough for small group meetings and the like.
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Seda's shift toward a more Cebuano-centric menu shines through in its dining offerings. Misto presents a fusion of local delicacies and Western classics. Dishes like Humba, Linarang, Salmon Inun-unan and the like give guests a special taste of Cebu's culinary heritage. The Lobby Bar and Pool Bar, on the other hand, are great for Happy Hour cocktails and more.
In fact, Dela Cruz emphasizes Seda's commitment to highlighting local producers. "We support local farmers through partnerships with groups like Pili&Pino. We also support the local fisherfolk of Bantayan." The hotel also showcases home-grown products like granola, sikwate, dried fish, special chorizo, and of course its hot chocolate, which comes from the local Chocolate Chamber.
Sampaguita Ballroom
As part of the Ayala Group, Seda maintains an eco-conscious approach to hospitality. Seda Ayala Center Cebu's partnership with Yokohama-based Guun, for instance, allows the hotel's waste to be transformed into fluff fuel. "It's important for the Seda and Ayala brands," she says. "We make sure that everything we do is pointed at environment, sustainability, and governance."
Dela Cruz notes its water and waste management practices, too. "We are the only hotel in Cebu that reproduces its own water. We have reverse osmosis. During Typhoon Odette, there was scarcity of water, but Seda was able to provide clean water to our neighbors." Under her watch, the hotel was even honored with the Best Crisis Leadership and Management at the Employee Experience Award in Singapore. It was the only hotel to represent the Philippines.
Meanwhile, Seda Edge is also growing as a network, encompassing about 11 hotels nationwide. Members can accumulate points for upgrades, complimentary stays, and other vouchers. And it's pretty simple, too.
"You can earn points through, let's say, your stays or even dining at Misto," Dela Cruz dresses. "You can upgrade from Seda Edge to Seda Premiere with more points. Our team's attitude toward memberships is kind of like how cashiers treat credit cards or advantage cards. We can enroll guests easily."
Working Together With Seda Central Bloc Cebu
Misto Show kitchen led by Senior Sous Chef Crisanto Palang Jr.
Not too far from Seda Ayala Center Cebu is the new Seda Central Bloc Cebu. Dela Cruz makes it clear that the two hotels are not in competition with each other, but are partners.
The 17-story hotel follows the same philosophy in many ways. Situated at the Cebu I.T. Park, it's home to a growing Business Process Outsourcing community. Serviced apartments and guest rooms enjoy ample space and a collection of premium fittings. Apartment sizes range from studios to three-bedroom apartments.
Seda Central Bloc Cebu General Manager Ron Manalang adds: “Versatile accommodations, memorable culinary experiences, and eco-friendly practices ensure we exceed expectations while contributing to the community’s well-being.”
The only rooftop bar in all of the Cebu I.T. Park
As with any Seda branch, it also has its own Misto, where there is a show kitchen led by Senior Sous Chef Crisanto Palang Jr., a renowned "lechonero." Cebuano favorites like Sinuglaw, with its grilled pork belly and fresh tanigue fillet ceviche, add a localized flavor, too. Another nice feature of this Seda hotel is its rooftop bar. Operating from 5:00 pm to 1:00 am, the bar's daily Happy Hour specials have been quite the hit with guests.
Seda Central Bloc Cebu also takes its eco-development a step further with "The Green Initiative." Its cutting-edge 53 KWP (kilowatt peak) solar panel system makes use of state-of-the-art Japanese technology, covering 100 sqm of roof space. This reduces the hotel's carbon footprint by offsetting emissions from LPG and generator usage.
For more information on booking at Seda Ayala Center Cebu and Seda Central Bloc Cebu, visit Seda Hotels.
