By Glazyl M. Jopson
BACOLOD CITY — As the city’s economy continues to expand, Bacolod’s north district is growing with it, marked by the recent groundbreaking of a new lifestyle hotel inside Saludad Township in Barangay Bata.
Mayor Greg Gasataya and executives from PHINMA Properties, led by President and CEO Raphael Felix, PHINMA Hospitality Inc. and JEPP Real Estate Co. gathered March 4 for the ceremonial groundbreaking of TRYP by Wyndham Bacolod.
A key highlight of the event was the signing of the joint venture agreement between PHINMA Hospitality, operator of Wyndham Hotels and Resorts properties in the Philippines, and JEPP Property Corp.
The partnership formalizes the development of TRYP by Wyndham Bacolod within Saludad Township and signals the start of vertical construction for the globally recognized lifestyle hotel brand.
According to PHINMA, the arrival of TRYP introduces a new lifestyle hotel experience for Bacolodnons by blending global hospitality standards with the culture, energy and creative spirit of the City of Smiles.
The hotel’s design draws inspiration from local identity, incorporating elements influenced by the MassKara Festival, Bacolod’s culinary traditions and its historic roots in the sugar industry.
Signature features of TRYP by Wyndham Bacolod will include deep violet tones, textures inspired by sugarcane, vibrant design references to MassKara and lighting fixtures reminiscent of caramelized sugar.
According to PHINMA Hospitality and PHINMA Microtel Hotels CEO Jose Mari del Rosario, the goal is not simply to build another hotel, but to create one that unmistakably reflects Bacolod’s character and forward momentum.
Felix said the hotel’s groundbreaking further elevates Saludad’s profile as an emerging township that celebrates what makes Bacolod unique while serving the broader community.
Saludad is PHINMA Properties’ first township development and is being co-developed with JEPP Real Estate Co., a Bacolod-based firm with deep roots in the city’s heritage.
The 21-hectare development is master-planned by Royal Pineda+ Architecture·Design as an integrated urban district that brings together residential, commercial, hospitality, educational and open spaces.
Beyond TRYP by Wyndham Bacolod, the township will also host the first Southwestern University PHINMA campus outside Cebu City, along with PHINMA Properties’ residential communities, Maayo Terraces and Likha Residences.
With these milestones underway, PHINMA said Saludad is no longer simply a vision, but an active development shaping Bacolod’s next chapter of growth.
The township is strategically located along the Bacolod–Silay Airport Access Road.
“These milestones are proof of arrival. Saludad is no longer something we are talking about. It is something Bacolod can see.”
