A legacy faces its end.
Probably one of the most beautiful and iconic hotels in Eastern Visayas, The Oriental Leyte, formerly known as MacArthur Park Beach Resort that was owned by former first lady Imelda Marcos, took the public by surprise when its operators announced closure.
Located in Palo, Leyte, the hotel that was built in 1983 near the MacArthur Shrine National Memorial Park, this became part of the Oriental Hotels and Resorts chain of the LKY Group of Companies.
Sources said that from the ownership of the former first lady, it was leased by LKY, a private company, from the Leyte provincial government after the property was sequestered.
Then President Ferdinand Marcos was deposed in 1986 and the properties of Marcos, his family and close associates believed to be ill-gotten weaalth were seized by the Philippine Commission on Good Government.
The MacArthur Park Beach Resort was leased by the province to the LKY Group under a 25-year agreement. It was renamed Oriental Hotel that has since been one of the conference venues in the region.
Ceasing Operations or Rebranding?
In a statement posted on their social media page, the hotel management announced its closure to their patrons and guests starting last April 6. “As we officially close our doors on April 6, 2024, at 10 p.m., we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being a part of our uniquely Oriental journey.”
The Oriental Leyte's sudden closure, after 12 years of operation, remains vague, though. It is also known as The Oriental Hotel.
Speculations are rife that the hotel may have gone bankrupt due to the lack of clients who can afford the four-star hotel's rates. "Dollar kasi. Practical it tawo hit tacloban. Mamahal ira accomodation, " netizen Bronx Rudd stated.
Meanwhile, others believed that it may just be a rebranding phase as hotel staff and personnel were seen still reporting for work wearing their usual uniforms.
"I think there will be a rebranding. Possibly, The Oriental Leyte itself will be closed with the management pero the business itself I guess is continues lang. like iba ang mag manage na . Perhaps, mas budget friendly ... , " shared netizen Althea Solario.
While the term "expensive" has been attached to the hotel's name just like how "extravagant" is attached to the former first lady, it has been a goal and a motivation for many to strive and be able to afford and experience the luxury the hotel offers.
"I always say “ha oriental” as a joke every time may na ask if diin it venue because of its rates, but on the back of my head, ginseset ko hiya nga standard.I have this goal nga madara tak fam dida para mag sponti dinner and overnight once maging stable na. Just sad nga waray ko pa ngan ka accomplish, nagsara na," Desiree, a student and youth advocate posted.
#WeTakeAStand #OpinYon #ImeldaMarcos