BIZ BUZZ: Ayala Land in talks to take over New World hotel
MANILA, Philippines — Real estate watchers have been buzzing about what may be the next big takeover in the sector, with the Zobel family emerging as the star of the show.
Earlier this week, Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) president and CEO Anna Ma. Margarita Bautista-Dy confirmed to stockholders plans to acquire a 500-key five-star hotel in Metro Manila.
Although Dy did not divulge more details, she hinted at “forming new international hotel partnerships” as part of ALI’s grand plans this year.
READ: Ayala Land allots $500-million capex for hotel expansion
Biz Buzz sources confirmed that the real estate giant—already with a strong presence in Metro Manila’s key central business districts—was in talks to take over New World Hotel in Makati.
It is unclear when New World Development Co. Ltd. will officially exit the Philippines, since it still has about 14 years of leasehold right, but things have been looking bleak for the Hong Kong-based property firm.
READ: BIZ BUZZ: Global hotel brand mulls over Philippine exit
New World reported in February that it had swung to a net loss of $852.45 million in the first half of its 2025 fiscal year covering the July to December period, coming from a net profit of $64.57 million.
Since Ayala already owns the land on which New World stands on, who else can viably take over? It’s now just a matter of how much value the landlord can give to its tenant’s fixed asset. —MEG J. ADONIS
Hybrid Benz hotties in town
Luxury automaker Mercedes-Benz just flipped the switch on Manila’s car scene, unveiling two electrifying new rides expected to spark buzz across the cityscape.
The all-new E-class plug-in hybrid sedan and the GLC plug-in hybrid sports utility vehicle officially landed on Thursday, giving luxury lovers a high-voltage option that’s as easy on the conscience as it is on the eyes.
Let’s get real, though. In the past, buying a Benz wasn’t exactly about saving the planet.
But now, with these hybrids, you get the best of both worlds—a seamless mix of electric power and gasoline muscle that delivers a smooth, guilt-free glide, turning heads at stoplights while keeping emissions low.
These plug-in hybrids let you sip fuel like a saint, flash the three-pointed star like a boss and slide through coding days like rules were made for someone else.
Mercedes-Benz is making it loud and clear—hybrids aren’t just for the sensible local suburbanites anymore.
READ: Trump tempers auto tariffs, winning cautious praise from industry
They’re for the sharp, the chic and the slightly smug, and the ones who want to save the planet but still want to own the valet stand when they roll up.
Consider these your VIP pass to the future. And yup, they come with leather seats. —Alden M. Monzon
