MANILA, Philippines – Liquor conglomerate Emperador Inc. is plotting a whisky comeback, and it comes with leadership changes.
On Monday, the company announced that billionaire Andrew Tan would be its chair emeritus, while president and CEO Winston Co will be the new chair and president.
READ: BIZ BUZZ: Metrobank changing of the guard
Replacing him as CEO is Glenn Manlapaz, head of Emperador’s international division, according to his LinkedIn profile. He was previously the regional managing director for Asia and developing markets.
Also part of the shuffle was former Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, who was appointed independent director and, consequently, member of several other committees.We’re hoping that the leadership change would pull up Scotch whisky sales—with some control, of course. —Meg J. Adonis
Another win for Hotel101
A lot has been happening lately at Hotel101 Global, and we mean that in a good way.
Earlier, the condotel chain of tycoons Edgar “Injap” Sia II and Tony Tan Caktiong confirmed its Nasdaq listing was all set within June, paving the way for added capital for its global expansion.
This time, Hotel101-Madrid is adding something new to its “portfolio,” one that is a 10-year commitment.
While it has openly advertised the upcoming Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix as one of its main selling points, Hotel101-Madrid now has an actual role to play.
On Monday, Hotel101 announced that its project in Spain’s capital city had partnered with MATCH Hospitality, the official hotel provider for the Grand Prix. Under their deal, Hotel101-Madrid will be the official hotel accommodation partner for one of the world’s much-awaited sporting events from 2026 to 2035.
“Hotel101-Madrid’s prime location next to the F1 circuit, combined with our globally standardized ‘Happy Room’ concept, positions Hotel101-Madrid as the ideal choice for fans and participants seeking comfort, convenience and irresistible value,” Hotel101 Global CEO Hannah Yulo-Luccini said in their statement.
This is an exciting time for the 680-room Hotel101-Madrid, especially since it is set for completion by the fourth quarter (again, a timely move for the 2026 Grand Prix).
I guess this is our cue to reserve a room—we have at least 3,560 days to choose from, anyway. —Meg J. Adonis INQ
Filipino Homes’ ticket to Dubai
Many of us are always itching for that travel bug, and maybe Dubai may be your next destination—for good, for additional income, or both.
Real estate broker Filipino Homes beat some of us to getting that ticket to the Middle East.
Recently, Filipino Homes founder and CEO Anthony Gerard Leuterio officially got his license to be a property broker in Dubai, thus opening the door for his kababayan to own a home in the United Arab Emirates.
The license allows Filipino Homes’ international arm, FHI Global Properties, to legally and actively engage in property transactions in Dubai, where thousands of Filipinos have been making a living for years.
“Now that I am a licensed broker in Dubai, we are opening up legitimate, professional opportunities for cross-selling,” Leuterio said in a statement. “Brokers in the Philippines can now market and sell Dubai properties in partnership with us.”
Here’s your chance for an investment that’s nearly 7,000 kilometers away from Manila. Maybe you already have that Golden Visa, too? —Meg J. Adonis