BIZ BUZZ: The Farm joins Autograph Collection

MANILA, Philippines – The multiaward-winning The Farm at San Benito in Batangas is rising to another level, after it was included in the Marriott Hotel’s Autograph Collection, the first in the Philippines.

Autograph Collection is a premium brand under the Marriott Group that covers “a collection of independent hotels handpicked for originality and passion in their every expression.”

READ: BIZ BUZZ: From out of the blue, Bolt coming to the Philippines

Marriott International and Nepal-based CG Hospitality, which owns The Farm at San Benito, are set to formalize the arrangement during signing ceremonies scheduled today.

By joining the Autograph Collection, The Farm at San Benito will be part of a distinguished network that includes such hotels as the Grand Universe Lucca in Italy, Cotton House in Barcelona, Spain, and The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

Biz Buzz sources say that under the agreement, management will still rest with the local team behind The Farm at San Benito but that the already high service, hospitality and product standards will be elevated to meet—perhaps even exceed—Marriott International standards. —Tina Arceo-Dumlao

A relief for Lufthansa?

Lufthansa Technik Philippines (LTP), an aircraft maintenance company jointly owned by Lucio Tan-led MacroAsia Corp. and German firm Lufthansa Technik AG, is facing a potential financial burden with the pending increase in its leasing rates.

The price increase for the locators at Ninoy Aquino International Airport is in line with the concession agreement set forth by the government when it welcomed a private operator.

So, is there a way to potentially cushion the impact of the price increase?

An official of the Department of Transportation said that LTP has been in discussion with the government and New Naia Infra Corp. regarding the new leasing rates.

There could be “creative ways” to ease the possible financial strain, the official said, adding that the new rates could be implemented in a staggered manner, for example.

However, nothing is final yet. A source previously told Biz Buzz that while retaining current rates is ideal, LTP is also open to a compromise.

LTP’s current lease rates, which was based on the contract it signed 25 years when the Special MacroAsia Economic Zone was established, will only be effective until Aug. 31. —Tyrone Jasper C. Piad INQ