AC Hotel by Marriott Celebrates Its Formal Launch in Manila

 

Manila welcomes a new era of design-led hospitality as AC Hotel by Marriott Manila, the first and flagship AC Hotel by Marriott, formally marks its arrival in the Philippines

Part of the award-winning Marriott International brand portfolio, AC Hotel by Marriott Manila brings its signature blend of modern European sophistication, purposeful design, and elevated experiences into the heart of the city.

Designed for the modern traveler, the hotel introduces a hospitality experience centered on what the brand calls “Perfectly Precise” — where every detail is curated to create stays that feel refined, effortless, and memorable.

“AC Hotel by Marriott Manila represents a new perspective on hospitality in the city,” shared Melvyn Angeles, General Manager of AC Hotel by Marriott Manila. “Our goal is to create a stay that elevates the essentials — bringing together purposeful design and the warmth of Filipino hospitality in a way that feels both refreshing and relevant.”

A Design-Led Hospitality Experience

At the heart of AC Hotel by Marriott Manila is a strong design philosophy inspired by the brand’s European roots. The property embraces clean architectural lines, calming palettes, ambient lighting, and carefully arranged spaces that create a seamless sense of sophistication and ease. Every area — from guestrooms to communal spaces — was designed to feel intuitive, functional, and aesthetically refined.

Leading the hotel’s design vision and experiential narrative is Clarice Anne Yu-Sy, Interior Design Director and Managing Director of the property. Her role bridges concept and experience — ensuring that every touchpoint of the hotel embodies exceptional hospitality and timeless sophistication.

“I’ve always believed that true luxury lies in thoughtfulness,” she shares. Her design philosophy reflects a quiet confidence rooted in sincerity and simplicity, where intention guides every detail. In redefining the guest experience, she envisions spaces that restore, inspire, and leave a lasting impression.

The hotel is set within GLAS, the Philippines’ first double-glazed, triple Low-E full glass tower and LEED Platinum-certified development, designed by ASYA’s founder and Executive Chairman Ar. Albert Yu. Envisioned as a contemporary landmark where innovation and sustainability converge, GLAS provides a refined and forward-thinking setting that complements the hotel’s modern hospitality experience.

Powered by Marriott Bonvoy

As part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of exceptional hotel brands, AC Hotel by Marriott Manila connects guests to a world of travel experiences shaped by exceptional hospitality and international standards. Guests may enjoy the benefits of Marriott Bonvoy membership, including exclusive member perks, seamless stays, and access to Marriott International properties around the world.

The opening also strengthens Marriott International’s growing hospitality presence in the Philippines, offering travelers a new lifestyle-driven destination within its internationally recognized collection of hotels.

Elevated Culinary Experiences

Dining at AC Hotel by Marriott Manila reflects the same philosophy that defines the brand — refined, intentional, and approachable.

At the center of the hotel’s culinary direction is Executive Chef Bonn Reyes, a longtime Marriott culinary leader known for his refined yet approachable style.

“At AC Hotel, we want guests to experience flavors that feel comforting yet unexpected,” Chef Bonn shared. “The menu blends local ingredients with European inspiration in a way that feels vibrant, social, and memorable. We want every dining experience to feel curated, whether it’s breakfast at AC Kitchen, cocktails and tapas at AC Lounge, or evenings at AC Bar overlooking the city.”

AC Kitchen offers an all-day dining experience featuring international selections alongside well-loved local dishes elevated through contemporary presentation and technique, all enhanced by thoughtfully curated tabletop accessories developed by Nouvelle. From specialty porcelain plates to refined glassware and dinnerware, each element was carefully selected to complement the brand’s culinary narrative. Together, these details create a dining experience that feels both elevated and thoughtfully immersive.

Meanwhile, AC Lounge and AC Bar bring the brand’s signature social energy to life through thoughtfully plated tapas, curated cocktails, and the signature AC Gin and Tonic experience served in specially designed glassware.

Inspired by European cocktail culture, the AC Gin and Tonic transforms the classic cocktail into a more elevated and sensory-driven experience through carefully selected garnishes, aromas, and presentation. Already, several dishes and signature cocktails have quickly emerged as guest favorites, reinforcing the hotel’s vision of dining as a sensory and social experience rather than simply a meal.

Signature AC Moments Inspired by AC Hotels Worldwide

Beyond its beautifully designed spaces, AC Hotel by Marriott Manila introduces guests to signature rituals inspired by AC Hotels around the world — thoughtful experiences that have become part of the brand’s distinct identity.

Among these is the Lavender Turndown Ritual, a calming evening gesture prepared for staying guests to create a sense of relaxation and balance at the end of the day.

Throughout the property, guests are also encouraged to immerse themselves in curated spaces designed for both productivity and connection — from stylish lounges to modern communal areas that embody the AC Hotel lifestyle.

Thoughtfully Designed Facilities for the Modern Traveler

The AC Lounge serves as a dynamic social hub where cocktails and tapas encourage conversation and connection, while the AC Library offers a quieter, design-forward environment for focus, creativity, and pause.

At the ground floor, the AC Store provides convenient grab-and-go selections and curated essentials tailored for guests constantly moving through the rhythm of the city.

Wellness is seamlessly integrated into the experience through the hotel’s indoor swimming pool and fully equipped 24-hour fitness center located on the 57th floor, allowing guests to recharge while overlooking the skyline.

Beyond leisure and stays, AC Hotel by Marriott Manila was also envisioned as a destination for modern gatherings and elevated celebrations.

The hotel features 11 meeting and event spaces spanning over 800 square meters, designed to accommodate intimate gatherings, executive meetings, weddings, and large-scale celebrations.

At the center is the AC Grand Ballroom, a contemporary venue distinguished by expansive floor-to-ceiling windows and flexible configurations that allow events to feel both grand and naturally connected to the city beyond. Complementing the ballroom are executive meeting rooms, a dedicated bridal suite, media salon, and expansive pre-function spaces designed with the same clean architectural lines and understated sophistication found throughout the property.

“AC Hotel by Marriott Manila was created as a perfectly precise destination for both corporate and social gatherings,” shared Ellie Alarcon, Director of Sales. “Whether for business meetings, weddings, or intimate celebrations, every space was designed to feel elevated, flexible, and seamlessly connected to the overall guest experience.”

A Grand Opening Inspired by Precision and Thoughtful Hospitality

To celebrate its Philippine debut, AC Hotel by Marriott Manila welcomed distinguished guests, industry leaders, media personalities, and partners to an exclusive opening celebration that reflected the brand’s “Perfectly Precise” philosophy.

The evening highlighted the hotel’s signature experiences through immersive moments including the AC Gin and Tonic ritual, bespoke engraving experiences, and interactive activations inspired by precision and intentional design.

Guests also experienced the property’s carefully curated atmosphere through ambient music, elevated culinary offerings, and design-led spaces that showcased the distinct AC Hotel lifestyle.

The celebration marked not only the opening of a new hotel, but the arrival of a globally recognized hospitality brand now ready to welcome travelers in the Philippines.

With its Philippine debut, AC Hotel by Marriott Manila introduces a fresh perspective on modern hospitality — one shaped by purposeful design, elevated experiences, and understated sophistication. More than a place to stay, the hotel offers a lifestyle centered on balance, connection, and the beauty of intentional living.

For more information, visit acbymarriottmanila.com.

Cetaphil Baby Launches “Let’s Mom Together”: A Community-Driven Campaign Championing Reassurance, Real Stories, and Expert Care

 

In a world of overwhelming advice and quiet self-doubt among mothers, Cetaphil Baby is providing something essential: reassurance. Through “Let’s Mom Together: Shared Stories and Expert Care with Cetaphil Baby,” the brand gathered moms, experts, and advocates in an intimate event centered on one powerful truth—motherhood isn’t meant to be figured out alone.

Grounded in the insight that modern motherhood is often paralyzed by information and pressure, the event created a circle of reassurance, where real stories, supportive communities, and expert-backed care come together to uplift moms through every stage.

“Motherhood is a journey of reassurance,” shared Abe Mationg, Head of Marketing for Dermatological Skincare and Therapeutic Dermatology. “Through initiatives like this, we hope to strengthen support systems for moms and make the Club Baby MD community the biggest one.”

The event also served as an introduction to the baby skin care brand’s latest venture: Club Baby MD is a Facebook group for new moms to learn expert advice shared by more experienced moms and medical experts. 

A Safe Space for Real Conversations

The afternoon unfolded through a series of meaningful, mom-centered moments—from warm introductions to honest, talk show-style conversations that brought together brand ambassadors, medical experts, and everyday moms.

Leading the conversation were Cetaphil Baby brand ambassadors Nico Bolzico, Jessica Wilson, and Laura Lehmann, alongside pediatric expert Dr. Joey Cuyao-Estanislao. Together, they shared candid reflections on realities hidden behind the “perfect mom” myth.

For Laura Lehmann, becoming a first-time mom challenged her most meticulous preparations. “As a first-time mom, you tend to overprepare because you're anxious for your baby. You think that when you overprepare, you're ready, but when the baby comes, you realize that you’re still unprepared,” she shared, capturing a reality many mothers quietly face.

Jessica Wilson echoed this, reframing the pressure to “get everything right” from the beginning. “I had a checklist of the things I needed, but don’t worry about it, because it’s more for you, to feel prepared,” she said, reminding moms that preparation is often more about emotional readiness than perfection.

Adding a perspective from fatherhood, Nico Bolzico grounded the conversation in partnership and lightheartedness. “Always listen to the wife. Moms know better all the time. The role of the fathers is to support the mom,” he shared, reinforcing that motherhood is not a solo journey, but one that thrives with shared responsibility.

Expert Guidance That Grounds and Reassures

Pediatrician Dr. Joey Cuyao-Estanislao shared insights on baby skin, urging mothers not to feel shame for worrying over small changes like redness or dryness, especially when there’s so much available information online.

“Even for us doctors, once the baby is there, you learn as you go. Even when you know the science, it's different when you apply it,” Dr. Joey stated. “You have to find communities that you can trust for advice and guidance that you can apply as a mom.”

Communities like Club Baby MD encourage the use of gentle, non-disruptive skin care to help strengthen the baby’s skin barriers. With proven gentle care, moms can feel reassured that everyday routines can help support baby skin.

Navigating Information Overload, Together

The Club Baby MD panel further explored how moms today navigate conflicting advice online, reinforcing the importance of discernment and shared support. “It’s important that you ask for expert advice. With everything available on the internet, I try to filter out and look for what really works for my child,” shared First time mom and Beauty Content Creator, Trishka Puno Samonte.

“There’s so much information online, but as a mother, you get to choose. I cut out all the noise on social media. Choose those who have the same values as me,” added Experienced mom and Lifestyle Content Creator, Stephanie Dods.

The session reinforced a central truth: while information is everywhere, reassurance comes from the right community.

Building a Circle That Lasts Beyond the Event

One of the most meaningful moments of the event invited moms to pause and reflect, writing down personal affirmations and realizations from their journey. One note stood out: “Reels are not real.” It was a powerful reminder of the essence of Let’s Mom Together: a movement away from comparison and toward connection.

Closing the event, Ann Jaymalin, Cetaphil Baby Brand Manager, left attendees with a powerful message: “While you are the ones caring for everyone else, you deserve a circle that cares for you too.”

With Let’s Mom Together, Cetaphil Baby goes beyond skincare, it is championing a movement where every “Am I doing this right?” moment is met with a resounding, “You are not alone.”