CEBU, long recognized as one of the Philippines’ most dynamic economic hubs, is seeing significant growth fueled by the continued investments of homegrown companies like the BE Group of Companies.
A leading player in real estate, hospitality and manufacturing, among other industries, the BE Group is reshaping the island’s business landscape while creating new opportunities for both local and international investors to thrive.
Founded with a deep understanding of Cebu’s evolving market dynamics, the BE Group has consistently made strategic investments that align with Cebu and other neighboring island’s potential. From developing residential communities to expanding its footprint in the hospitality and commercial sectors, the company’s ventures are becoming central to Cebu’s growth trajectory.
BERBENWOOD
Founded in 1981, BE Group’s furniture business, BerbenWood has grown from its roots in the lumber and plywood trade into a globally recognized exporter of high-quality furniture. The company’s journey began with the export of wood moldings, doors and garden furniture, evolving into a versatile operation that adapts to market trends and consumer demands.
BerbenWood produces furniture primarily for the US market, with smaller exports to Europe and Asia. Nearly 100 percent of its output is destined for export, underscoring its position in the international market.
The company remains committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Its lumber is sourced from plantations acknowledged by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Waste materials are repurposed, low-emission adhesives and lead-free finishes are standard and biodegradable packaging is prioritized.
To stay competitive in the furniture industry, BerbenWood invests in updated machinery, attends international furniture shows and collaborates closely with long-standing clients to align with the latest trends. This strategy ensures it remains ahead in the ever-evolving market.
MABUHAY CEMENT
Since its establishment in 2009, Mabuhay Cement has emerged as a key player in the Visayas and Mindanao cement markets, driven by the family’s foresight and commitment to meeting the demands of a booming economy.
The rapid growth of infrastructure development and urbanization across the region inspired the family to venture into the cement industry, laying the foundation for Mabuhay Cement’s success.
The company has steadily expanded its operations while maintaining a focus on addressing domestic needs. Its primary market encompasses the Visayas and Mindanao regions.
Mabuhay Cement is gearing up for sustainable growth and market expansion over the next five to 10 years. The company plans to introduce eco-friendly “green cement” and high-performance products to meet customer demands. It will also invest in building new plants, upgrading facilities and adopting carbon-reducing technologies, such as alternative fuels, recycling industrial waste and incorporating renewable energy like solar and wind power into its operations.
To support expansion, Mabuhay Cement will enhance logistics with improved fleet management, collaborate with local distributors and explore strategic acquisitions. These efforts aim to strengthen its market presence and contribute to sustainable development in the Visayas and Mindanao.
BE HOTELS & RESORTS
The BE Group entered the hospitality industry, seeing massive growth opportunities in Cebu’s tourism sector. Leveraging its landbank, the group launched BE Resort Mactan in 2010 to serve Cebu’s burgeoning tourism sector, marking the beginning of its journey in the hospitality space. Five years later, in 2015, it expanded to Bohol through BE Grand Resort-Bohol.
As it established itself as a trusted name in Cebu’s tourism landscape. BE Hotels is now charting an ambitious course for growth, with plans to open new properties over the next decade.
Key projects include BE Siargao in General Luna, set to open by summer 2027, and the group’s first city hotel, AC Hotels by Marriott at BE Uptown Park in Cebu City, expected in 2029. Additional developments include BE Pods Alona in 2026 and an expansion of BE Grand in 2027, with other city hotel projects earmarked for areas outside Cebu.
BE Hotels is committed to staying attuned to evolving market trends and consumer demands. The company tailors its offerings to suit its current tourist base, from incorporating Korean dishes into menus for its growing Korean clientele to designing eco-conscious accommodations for environmentally conscious travelers. An enhanced 24/7 reservations system is also in development, enabling faster response times and improving guest experiences.
Sustainability remains at the heart of BE Hotels’ operations, reflected in a range of innovative initiatives. These include integrating solar panels into hotel systems, adopting green technologies, increasing open space ratios and promoting farm-to-table dining experiences.
In addition to established water conservation and waste segregation programs, the company actively encourages guests to adopt sustainable practices, aligning seamlessly with its eco-conscious vision.
BE Grand Bohol exemplifies this commitment with its advanced zero-water discharge system, enabling comprehensive water recycling to reduce environmental impact. BE Group’s resorts have also transitioned away from disposable plastic amenities, opting instead for refillable pump dispensers for products such as lotion, shampoo, conditioner, body wash and hand wash. This shift not only significantly decreases reliance on single-use plastic bottles but also helps reduce plastic waste in landfills, reinforcing the resort’s dedication to eco-friendly practices.
MABUHAY TOWERS
Developed in 2015, Mabuhay Towers is building a name in Cebu’s thriving office leasing industry. The family-owned business capitalized on its prime lot holdings in Cebu City’s bustling business districts, establishing itself as a trusted name in commercial real estate.
Mabuhay Towers operate two key properties: Mabuhay Tower Cebu IT Park and Mabuhay Tower Cebu Business Park.
Despite the disruptions caused by the pandemic and shifts in workplace trends, Mabuhay Towers has demonstrated resilience and adaptability. The company strategically avoided accommodating Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, which shielded it from the instability linked to its exit.
“Our IT Park building has remained fully occupied even during the pandemic years, with a waitlist should any open slots become available,” said Grand Benedicto, president of BE Group.
The Cebu Business Park building, which was completed in January 2020 at the onset of the pandemic, faced initial challenges but has since rebounded. The company credits its success to a diverse tenant mix and the inclusion of co-working space providers, which have helped stabilize occupancy levels.
Over the next five to 10 years, Mabuhay Towers aims to meet the growing demand for flexible co-working environments by offering warm shell options and smaller, adaptable spaces. The company has made substantial investments in sustainability and green building practices, enhancing both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Key features of Mabuhay Towers’ sustainable design include curtain glass facades that not only improve natural lighting in workspaces but also incorporate double-pane glazing for superior heat and sound insulation. Energy efficiency is further supported by the use of LED lighting and full-inverter air conditioning systems. The towers also boast optimized slab-to-slab floor-to-ceiling heights to create a more open and spacious feel. In 2024, Mabuhay Towers upgraded its faucets to more water-efficient fixtures, reinforcing its commitment to environmental stewardship while meeting the evolving needs of modern tenants.
Additionally, the company is considering integrating solar power and electronic vehicle charging stations into its properties, aligning with global environmental standards.
BE RESIDENCES
Established in June 2018, BE Residences has rapidly gained a foothold in the real estate industry by leveraging its family-owned landbank and expertise in complementary sectors such as manufacturing, design and hospitality.
The move into residential developments marked a natural progression for the group, aligning with the region’s condo boom and the increasing demand for prime living spaces in Cebu and beyond.
The company has successfully built a residential brand synonymous with quality and trust. Its portfolio includes luxury projects catering to the discerning Cebuano market and mid-range developments under the Balai and BE U brands, which target young professionals and growing families.
Over the next five to 10 years, the company aims to expand its offerings into horizontal housing for the affordable to mid-range market while continuing to innovate in the luxury segment. Key projects include master-planned developments of similar or larger scale to its flagship projects in Cordova, Mactan and Panglao, Bohol both of which have garnered acclaim for their thoughtful design and community-centric approach.
It sets itself apart by offering innovative multi-story units like BE Residences’ “Maisonettes,” and “CondoVision” and Balai’s “Yarden.” Its BE Lockers, a standard in most of BE Residences residential buildings, are also available for unit owners to lease for short or long-term periods.
BE Residences also adapts to consumer trends by embracing digitalization, offering flexible financing and applying cutting-edge design practices.
It also focuses on green architecture and sustainable design, with a commitment to obtaining green building certifications for both residential and office developments. Beyond compliance, the company equips its properties with smart technologies that promote sustainable living and operational efficiency.
BERBEN LOGISTICS
Logistics provider Berben Logistics Inc. is making significant strides in the logistics industry with its expansion into cold storage operations. Established in 2019, the company initially focused on leasing storage facilities. However, recognizing the increasing demand for flexible logistics solutions, particularly in food logistics, e-commerce and pharmaceuticals, Berben Logistics recently inaugurated a cold storage warehouse to cater to the rising needs of the food industry in the region.
Cold storage facilities are indispensable in today’s supply chains, preserving the quality, safety and sustainability of perishable goods. With consumer preferences shifting towards fresh and specialized products, Berben Logistics is positioning itself as a key player in the Philippine cold chain logistics industry.
Despite the presence of national players, the company sees opportunities to leverage its local expertise and flexible leasing options. The company plans to address challenges such as high operational costs, regulatory hurdles and infrastructure limitations by investing in modern facilities and adopting innovative technologies.
In the next five to 10 years, the company aims to focus on building scalable, efficient and sustainable cold chain systems. Key goals include reducing environmental impact through energy-efficient refrigeration systems; integrating automation, AI and blockchain for better transparency and efficiency; expanding cold storage facilities to other strategic cities like Metro Manila, Davao and Iloilo; enhancing resilience in the cold chain and optimizing last-mile delivery solutions; and supporting the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries with specialized cold storage solutions.
To meet increasing demand and support the logistics ecosystem in the Philippines, Berben Logistics plans to expand operations beyond Cebu Province. Strategic locations such as Metro Manila, Davao and Subic are being considered to optimize supply chains, reduce food waste and enhance food safety.
LIVING IDEAS
In 2020, amid the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, the BE Group expanded its portfolio by launching Living Ideas, a brand dedicated to interior fit-outs for commercial, residential and retail spaces.
With a focus on export-quality, custom-made furniture and home furnishings, the venture has redefined how people view their homes—not just as living spaces, but as multifunctional environments for recreation, work, rest and more.
Living Ideas leverages the BE Group’s three decades of expertise in crafting high-quality furniture for the global market. This heritage of excellence allows the brand to deliver products that seamlessly combine artistry, functionality and innovation.
Unlike the offerings in the mainstream local market, Living Ideas stands out by producing pieces that are not only aesthetically pleasing and unique but also highly practical.
BE@WORK
In 2024, Enrison Holdings Inc. officially launched its co-working space business, BE@Work, leveraging its existing office buildings to enter this growing industry. The concept envisioned as early as 2019, was delayed due to the pandemic but gained renewed momentum as the company observed co-working spaces flourishing within its properties.
First piloted at BE Residences Lahug, BE@Work is set to expand to Mabuhay Tower Cebu Business Park in 2025, marking the beginning of a broader expansion strategy. It aims to cater to start-ups and digital nomads, offering a warm and conducive environment with reliable, high-speed digital connectivity.
Over the next five to 10 years, the company plans to integrate BE@Work spaces into its masterplanned developments, including commercial components. The vision is to position BE@Work as the preferred co-working space for modern professionals.
Adapting to evolving trends, BE@Work’s offerings will include smaller, long-term lease spaces and communal amenities such as pantries, meeting rooms, boardrooms and rest areas. This approach reflects insights gained from competitive visits to international co-working spaces.
Aligned with Enrison Holdings’ sustainability goals, BE@Work’s operations will benefit from the eco-friendly measures already implemented in Mabuhay Towers and BE Residences. These include energy-efficient designs, water conservation practices, and environmentally conscious building operations, ensuring BE@Work contributes to a greener future.
BE@Work’s launch signals the company’s commitment to diversifying its portfolio while fostering innovative and sustainable workspaces for a new generation of professionals.
