Homegrown conglomerate AppleOne Group is approaching the new year with a sense of careful optimism, planning to leverage its healthcare business for growth while pursuing selective expansion in its other sectors. This follows a year of uneven performance across its portfolio in 2025.
A Year of Mixed Realities Across Industries
Company president Ray Manigsaca described 2025 as "a year of mixed realities across the industries." He noted that the group's diversified holdings helped buffer against shocks specific to any single sector. Looking ahead, AppleOne anticipates a more stable operating environment in 2026, expecting fewer natural disasters and easing economic pressures. This stability would allow the company to execute its expansion plans with greater decisiveness.
Real Estate and Hospitality: A Tale of Two Halves
The group's real estate division began 2025 on a flat note, especially during the first six months. Demand, however, gained momentum towards the end of the year. Sales were primarily fueled by premium buyers and repeat clients investing in AppleOne's high-end developments. This trend indicates enduring demand for quality projects in prime locations, even within a generally cautious market.
In contrast, the hospitality sector started strong but faced headwinds later. Performance remained robust until around August, but a slowdown began in September as tourist arrivals from South Korea declined—a trend observed across Southeast Asia. This was further exacerbated by cancellations in October and November following an earthquake and flooding in the province. A seasonal rebound emerged in December, driven largely by domestic travel and local demand.
Healthcare Emerges as the Steady Performer
Amid the volatility, healthcare stood out as the most consistent and resilient segment for AppleOne in 2025. Manigsaca highlighted that this division delivered steady results throughout the year, reinforcing the group's strategic focus on scaling essential and recession-resistant sectors. The group's healthcare assets include VisayasMed in Cebu City, United Shalom Hospital in Tacloban, and Brokenshire Medical Center in Davao.
The company also recently marked a significant milestone in hospitality with the soft opening of the Fairfield by Marriott Cebu Mactan. This launch represents the debut of the Fairfield brand on the island and is Marriott International's first city hotel in Mactan. AppleOne is also the developer behind the Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort.
Strategic Priorities for 2026
For the coming year, AppleOne's strategy is clear. The group plans to further expand its healthcare platform and continue upgrading its hospitality assets. In real estate, the approach will remain disciplined, prioritizing quality, sustainability, and long-term value over sheer volume.
"We've built the company to withstand cycles," stated Manigsaca. "We believe AppleOne is well-positioned to grow responsibly as conditions improve." This statement underscores the conglomerate's intent to navigate future challenges while capitalizing on opportunities in its core, high-performing sectors like healthcare.
