Noy graces hotel opening

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino graced the opening of the Marco Polo hotel at the Ortigas central business district Wednesday night and thanked its owner for putting his trust in the Philippines.

He said entrepreneur Samuel Po, who is also the man behind “the most successful diaper brands in our country, EQ diapers,” made his fortune through foresight, not simply luck.

Aquino said Po realized that there was a potentially large market for disposable diapers and “perhaps it bodes well for us that in (his) judgment, there will also be a large enough market for tourists here to justify the amount they have invested in this hotel, which I understand cost P2.37 billion to construct.”

Marco Polo has 316 guest rooms, including upscale suites; two ballrooms and several function rooms.

Aquino said the opening of a new hotel signified investors’ confidence in the booming tourism industry and economy of the country.