Beyond the bay: Finding a deeper connection at Lanson Place

There’s a certain rhythm to Manila that’s both chaotic and captivating. Arriving at Lanson Place Mall of Asia with my husband and son, I felt that energy shift into something calmer and more refined. As a travel writer who advocates for a more conscious way of exploring the world, I often find myself looking beyond the usual markers of luxury. I search for sincerity, for a sense of place, and for a commitment to the world we all share.

Our check-in with Jasmine at the front desk was smooth; her warm smile and cheerful demeanor immediately put us at ease.

Just as we were finishing up, Nils Rothbarth, Lanson Place Mall of Asia’s General Manager, personally came over to greet me. It was a small but meaningful gesture that spoke volumes about the kind of hospitality they practice here.

Merlot Dagohoy, the Community Manager, greeted us with a warm smile as she led us to our suite. She explained the amenities with friendly professionalism and told us to call her anytime we needed anything.

This personal touch immediately made us feel at home, more like residents than guests.

Our home for the next two days was a One-bedroom Panorama Suite Residence. The name promised a view, and it delivered with floor-to-ceiling windows framing an expansive vista of Manila Bay.

The apartment was bathed in natural light, highlighting the earthy, light beige tones of the decor. It felt less like a temporary room and more like a thoughtfully designed urban sanctuary.

With balconies in both the living room and bedroom, the space felt open and connected to the city outside—a perfect setup for our family.

The practical touches made all the difference. The kitchenette was fully equipped with cooking utensils, and a proper dining table made the space feel genuinely residential. There’s also a washer/dryer.

I was happy to see the bathroom toiletries were in refillable containers—a simple, effective way to reduce single-use plastic.

Better yet, a water filtration system was installed in the kitchen, providing clean drinking water on tap, eliminating the need for plastic water bottles.

Seeing these kinds of practical, sustainable choices in action shows a level of commitment that goes beyond just words.

The One-bedroom Panorama Suite Residence felt like a true sanctuary, with floor-to-ceiling windows, earthy tones, and balconies that opened up to views of Manila Bay.

A sunset that tells a story

The 11th-floor poolside is an exclusive haven, offering a stunning view of the famed Manila Bay sunset—though the ongoing reclamation projects add a bittersweet note to the scene. 

Looking out, my gaze was drawn to the machinery and the newly formed land interrupting the natural coastline.

The conversation around these projects has become more urgent. Environmental and fisherfolk groups have raised concerns about the irreversible damage to marine habitats, mangroves, fisheries, and water systems.

Watching the sun melt into the horizon, I was struck by the fragility of this beauty. It’s a stark reminder of why places like this, with their commitment to sustainability, are so important.

Savoring Flavors, Minimizing Waste

Our culinary journey at Lanson Place Mall of Asia was just as layered as the view. Dinner on our first night was at Cyan Modern Kitchen, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant. It’s a beautiful, contemporary space where window walls bring the bay views right to your table.

The international buffet was a feast for the senses, with stations offering local, Western, Chinese, Japanese, and Indian dishes to cater to an international clientele.

The next morning, back at Cyan for breakfast, a signage on the buffet caught my eye. “Take only what you need,” it read. “Savor every bite, reduce waste, and help us create a more mindful dining experience.”

This simple message, printed on recycled paper, was a quiet nudge toward conscious consumption.

The culinary team also gets creative with food scraps, turning potato peelings into chips and using watermelon rinds in vegetable dishes. It’s a philosophy of respecting ingredients from root to stem.

I couldn’t help but notice the exceptional service. Laura Jimenez, a member of the F&B team, moved through the restaurant with genuine warmth, checking on each table—not as a chore, but as a host ensuring her guests were happy. That authentic care is something you can’t train; it comes from a place of genuine hospitality.

Before dinner, we enjoyed cocktails at Club Lanson, a serene and exclusive space on the 11th floor. The lounge offers complimentary food and beverages for guests with club access, including a continental breakfast, afternoon snacks, and evening cocktails.

It was a quiet refuge from the city’s hustle, a place to unwind with a drink and light bites while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.

Club Lanson is a quiet escape on the 11th floor, where you can sip a cocktail, enjoy light bites, and take in the views of the city and Manila Bay. It’s the perfect spot to unwind after a day in the city.

That evening, we opted for a more casual dinner at Bytes, the ground-floor spot that reimagines Filipino merienda (light meal) with a modern twist.

The menu was exciting. Among the dishes we tried were Molo Soup, a chef’s recommendation, and it was pure comfort in a bowl—savory broth with delicate pork dumplings and a crunch of toasted garlic.

The Trio of Egg Rolls was another winner, each bite bursting with flavor—minced pork and shrimp, vegetable and tofu, and green chili with cheese. I paired it with the Kamias Ginger Spritz, a refreshing blend of kamias (bilimbi) syrup, fresh ginger, and ginger ale, which perfectly complemented the dish.

We also enjoyed the Bibingka Cheesecake, a delicious twist on a local favorite—rice cake with salted egg and queso de bola. It offered a delightful balance of sweetness and saltiness, celebrating Filipino flavors.

Bytes clearly isn’t just about food; it’s about celebrating local culinary traditions with flair.

A quiet commitment to sustainability

Curiosity led me to chat with Jobert Abad, the hotel’s Chief Engineer, and Rochelle Tabino, Marketing Communications Manager, about what drives Lanson Place Mall of Asia. I discovered that the thoughtful touches I’d noticed were just the beginning of a deeply integrated and thoughtfully designed sustainability program.

The property was built with low-emissivity glass panels that allow natural daylight into the lobby, dining venues, and guest rooms—reducing reliance on artificial lighting and cutting solar heat by up to 77%. This translates to 15–25% annual energy savings, equivalent to 316,000 kWh or PHP 2.8 million.

Throughout the hotel, 100% LED lighting is paired with smart dimming systems and timers. This switch saves approximately 768,221 kWh, or PHP 6.9 million annually, compared to conventional CFL bulbs.

Air conditioning is connected to the Mall of Asia’s district cooling plant, a shared resource that minimizes electricity use and heat loss throughout the complex. At the heart of this system, heat exchangers and dedicated specialists ensure maximum efficiency, and more than 90% of the hotel’s critical equipment (such as air handlers and water pumps) is fitted with variable-frequency drives. These drives can cut energy use by up to 30%, saving an additional 1.2 MWh or PHP 11.2 million per year when coordinated by the building management system.

Room intelligence sensors power down lights and cooling when not in use, while pressure-independent control valves keep system performance steady without overcompensation. Real-time temperature sensors and energy meters provide granular insights for continuous improvement, and monthly reviews identify opportunities to boost savings further.

On the water conservation front, flow-rate limiters on taps and showers reduce usage from 15 liters per minute to just eight, a change that most guests don’t even notice, thanks to the use of aerators. Dual-flush toilets and a towel-reuse program further minimize waste, while harvested rainwater helps sustain the on-site landscaping.

The property uses non-VOC paints (paints with low or no volatile organic compounds) for better air quality and a healthier environment for guests and staff.

In meeting spaces, the hotel offers pitchers instead of bottled water and provides notepads and pens only upon request. These thoughtful changes acknowledge the ways business travelers operate while eliminating unnecessary waste.

Waste management is another major focus. Lanson Place Mall of Asia partners with Plastic Flamingo, a local recycling company, to responsibly handle large plastic containers used by suppliers before they can become waste. The property practices waste segregation throughout, with full compliance to environmental regulations.

Thoughtful design choices extend to sourcing furniture and artwork locally (from Pampanga, Muntinlupa, and Laguna), reducing the carbon footprint tied to long-haul shipping and supporting regional craftspeople.

Throughout the property, local artworks add depth and character. Each piece, from intricate details to bold brushstrokes, reflects the community’s creativity and culture—a thoughtful touch that makes the space feel alive. Photos by Rhea Vitto Tabora.

The walls of Club Lanson feature abstract works by Dr. Meneline Wong, an obstetrician-gynecologist who finds inspiration in the balance between science and art. Her paintings evoke a sense of motion, flow, and simultaneous stillness, a quiet reflection of her unique perspective. Photos by Rhea Vitto Tabora.

Most importantly, these initiatives are part of the daily culture—not just a checklist for compliance or a top-down directive.

Sustainability is embedded in staff orientation, discussed in regular town halls, and visualized on a “green board” in the back-of-house. Leadership encourages transparent conversations across its multigenerational team, creating an environment that embraces innovation and collaboration.

My stay at Lanson Place Mall of Asia was more than just comfortable. It was an experience that reaffirmed my belief that true luxury lies in thoughtful details, authentic human connection, and unwavering commitment to doing better.

This is one of those places that sees sustainability not as a marketing tool, but as a core value—one they carry with grace, intelligence, and a whole lot of heart.

It’s this consistent dedication to meaningful action that left a lasting impression on me.