A much-anticipated homecoming for the Mandarin Hotel
A legend returns above the lush greens of Ayala Triangle Gardens with the soon-to-open Mandarin Oriental Makati Manila. For almost four decades, the Mandarin Oriental Hotel was a beloved destination in Makati for both casual get-togethers and celebrations, an integral part of Manila’s social and cultural fabric from 1976 to 2014. The Mandarin was an iconic landmark where memories were made and many stories were shared. But when it reopens in November of this year, don’t expect to see the old Mandarin that everybody loved. It will have a new look and identity as it remains part of the evolving story of the City of Makati.
Paloma Urquijo Zobel de Ayala, creative director of Ayala Land, explains the homecoming of the Mandarin Oriental to Makati. “The evolution continues,” she says. “When we talk about reinvention, it’s easy to focus on buildings, structures and public spaces, but great cities are more than the sum of their physical parts. They are defined by the experiences they offer, the culture they foster, and the memories people create within them. That is why hospitality matters so much to us. Hotels are not just places to stay; they are where milestones are celebrated, relationships are formed, ideas are exchanged, and visitors form their first impressions of the city.”
Designed by National Artist Leandro Locsin and opened in 1976, the Mandarin became the backdrop for countless such memories and milestones. “It was where Makati gathered, where visitors experienced Makati at its finest, and where many of us have stories of our own,” continues Paloma. “In preparation, Adela Locsin (Leandro’s granddaughter and Andy’s daughter) and I had the opportunity to spend time going through the Locsin archives. It was a reminder of just how ambitious that original vision was and how deeply intertwined Mandarin Oriental’s story is with the story of Makati itself. Its return is therefore a beloved part of Makati’s story, like the return of a friend or family member.”
“What made this special was the genuine curiosity from the team,” she adds. “From the moment general manager Frank Droin arrived, we were exploring local materials, meeting artisans, reviewing samples, and discussing how Filipino culture could be woven into the experience.” Hotel designer Bond Design Studio, headed by Ryoichi Niwata, was also open to incorporating Filipino elements.
“We took inspiration from riverbeds, volcanic stone, coral formations, native materials, traditional craft, the beauty of our landscapes, the texture, the imperfections, the layers of culture and heritage,” says Paloma. “And rather than applying Filipino motifs, we looked to Filipino nature, craftsmanship and materiality as a foundation, as the design language. From those inspirations came a simple but beautiful design narrative: ‘from the earth to the sky.’”
While Paloma is proud of the paintings by Liam Stevens, whose landscapes of Asia “feel like silk,” she says that 78 percent of the collection was commissioned from Filipino artists like Olivia d’Aboville or the Pettyjohns of pottery fame. She points out the Machuca tiles used for flooring in some areas and is excited for guests to discover special woven binakol robes in their rooms. Her favorite feature is the chandelier designed with a Sampaguita motif.
“We want to create a feeling of warmth, of hospitality,” she adds. “The best hospitality is not defined by one moment, but is a result of hundreds of decisions. The hotel is locally rooted but globally relevant, optimizing public space.”
Mandarin Oriental general manager Franck Droin added that the hotel operates on simple principles.
“Our legendary service understands what a guest needs even before they ask,” he says. “Everyone is exceptional at what they do, whether chef, concierge, or housekeeper.” He is especially proud of the ballroom.
“From the ballroom, you look outside and see all the greenery, the garden,” he says. “Another unique feature is that you arrive directly at the venue—you step out of your car and you are right there. Just behind the ballroom, which has a capacity of 600, is a fully equipped Chinese and Western kitchen.”
Paloma points out that the Presidential Suite can also be used for special events, such as those of fashion houses. The furniture can be easily moved, and Franck adds, “It has a kitchen, too!”
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The Mandarin Oriental Makati Manila is currently accepting reservations for dates beginning Dec. 14 through its website.
