SJD to put up retirement lodges

SJD Holdings Corp. is putting up a chain of retirement lodges, initially in Luzon, to service a prospective stream of foreigners who want to sample the world-class Filipino hospitality and the unique blend of sun, sand and sea the country offers.

SJD Holdings president Juan Miguel Araneta bared this as he ticked off the competitive advantages that the Philippines has a retirement haven that include a warm populace, facility with English, and poster-perfect scenery everywhere.

Araneta said that SJD Holdings now has Central Park Hotel, a business-golf resort hotel serving the Luisita Industrial Park in Capas, Tarlac. The hotel, which has 41 rooms, is envisioned to provide quality lodging for transient and longer stay."

The company, which is a joint venture between Araneta and Jesus V. Del Rosario, chairman of Matsushita Electric in the Philippines, has been awarded mandates to put up the Jose "Tiling" Yulo Serviced Homes for Retireen the Terclay Canlubang Hotel, and Banawe Rice Terraces.

Araneta said SJD also has mandates to establish a hotel in the NAIA Airport, Araneta Center, Cubao; Regalia, Cubao; Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija; Urdaneta, Pangasinan; Baguio City; Lipa, Batangas; and Los Baños, Laguna.

He said SJD is positioned as a lodging solutions and hospitality chain that will offer a unique business proposition to retirees. The company is also eyeing the entry of retirees-investors who will enjoy the country’s scenic offering and a vibrant lifestyle while having quality lodging facilities.

"The Philippines has much to offer and this is the reason why SJD was conceived: to allow the country to be the premiere retirement destination in this past of the world," Araneta said.