First SLP to build P3-billion Marco Polo Hotel

MANILA, Philippines - Chinese-Filipino businessman Samuel Po’s First SLP Holdings, which has emerged as a leading manufacturer of personal care products, is breaking into the hospitality sector with the construction of the Marco Polo Ortigas Hotel at a cost of P3 billion.

First SLP, through unit Xin Tian Ti Development Corp., has signed an agreement with international hotel chain Marco Polo to manage the 313-room Marco Polo Ortigas on Meralco Ave. in the Ortigas central business district.

Slated for completion in the fourth quarter of 2013, Marco Polo Ortigas will be the third addition to Marco Polo’s growing portfolio of hotels in the Philippines. The two other hotels under the management of Marco Polo in the country are in Davao and Cebu.

“Marco Polo Hotels has been known for its excellent services and first-class signature touches, we are incredibly excited to be affiliated with this reputable hotel brand in Asia Pacific,” Po said.

For his part, Steve Kleinschmidt, president of Marco Polo Hotels, said: “We are delighted with the addition of this hotel, located in the prime location of the capital of the Philippines. Our rapid growth and development in the Philippines and China has further strengthened our brand and its awareness throughout Asia Pacific.”

Kleinschmidt said the Philippines is an important market and part of its aggressive expansion in Southeast Asia.

The Ortigas hotel will feature rooms and upscale suites including Marco Polo’s signature Continental Club floor that offers exclusive and unrivaled privileges.

Marco Polo Hotels is a wholly-owned unit of The Wharf (Holdings), a Hong Kong-listed company with core business interests in property and investments in communications and container terminal operations.

Meanwhile, First SLP, through JS Unitrade Merchandise, manufactures baby care, feminine hygiene, and geriatric care products with annual revenues of over $120 million.

Among its brands are Prokids premium baby diapers and wipes, EQ baby diapers, Dr. P adult diapers, Caress adult diapers and incontinence pads, Secure pull-up adult diaper and wipes; Charmee feminine pads, pantyliners and wipes, Nursy baby wipes, Kitchen Mate multi-purpose kitchen towel, Purejoy baby wipes, Hy-5 hygienic wipes, Hy-seat flushable toilet seat wipes, Hy-touch personal flushable wipes and Hy-fresh refreshing wipes.