When you think of Tagaytay, you imagine cool breezes, scenic views, and cozy getaways. But at Hotel Casiana, hospitality is more than just comfort—it’s a purpose-driven commitment to creating lasting memories for every guest.
Recently featured on ROI’d to Success with Hustleshare, the business podcast by PLDT Enterprise, Hotel Casiana’s General Manager Clive Aranha opened up about the real work behind making each stay exceptional. From childhood dreams of travel to steering a modern hotel through a digital transformation, his story is a mix of passion, resilience, and innovation.
Hospitality Rooted in Purpose
For Aranha, running a hotel is about trusting relationships built one detail at a time—whether it’s a child laughing at the play club, a seamless wedding celebration, or simply a warm greeting at check-in.
“At Hotel Casiana, our mission is to delight discerning travelers by curating extraordinary experiences and unforgettable memories,” he shared.
Located along the Tagaytay-Nasugbu highway, the ten-story hotel blends Scandinavian-inspired design with the warmth of Filipino service. Families, corporate teams, and event-goers can enjoy its heated pool, wellness center, children’s carousel, and versatile function rooms—all crafted to turn getaways into meaningful experiences.
The Story Behind the Leader
Aranha’s fascination with hospitality started young. Inspired by a neighbor’s cruise ship stories, he dreamed of traveling the world while working in hotels.
“I’ve always enjoyed interacting with people and exploring cuisines, which naturally led me here,” he recalled. “Hospitality teaches us skills that apply to any career—especially how to connect with people. That’s what makes this work fulfilling.”
Like many businesses, Hotel Casiana faced tough challenges during the pandemic, but Aranha believes true leadership is about lifting people together: “It’s not about ‘I,’ it’s about ‘we.’ Success is when your team feels part of something greater.”
Building Seamless Guest Experiences with Technology
As bookings grew, so did the need for reliable operations. That’s where PLDT Enterprise came in. With iGate internet and trunkline services, the hotel now enjoys:
- Smoother online bookings
- Faster staff coordination during events
- Uninterrupted communication even during peak seasons
“When I joined Hotel Casiana, connectivity was one of the most common guest concerns,” Aranha explained. “Thanks to PLDT Enterprise, our Wi-Fi improved significantly, which is essential today. We’ve also gone paperless with QR codes and are even exploring AI integrations.”
Since adopting these solutions, 12% of the hotel’s yearly bookings now come from online platforms. Looking ahead, Hotel Casiana is expanding with a new branch in Mexico, Pampanga by 2026, continuing its digital journey with PLDT Enterprise.
Powering Philippine Hospitality
For Aranha, technology is not a replacement for hospitality—it’s an enabler of human connection. “We’re in the business of making people feel taken care of,” he said. “With the right tools, we can do that consistently, even at full capacity.”
PLDT Enterprise’s VP Jay Lagdameo echoed this vision: “Hotel Casiana exemplifies how hospitality is evolving with reliable technology. We’re proud to support them as they continue raising the bar in Tagaytay and beyond.”
Hotel Casiana proves that hospitality thrives at the intersection of heart and innovation. By embracing technology while staying true to Filipino warmth, they’re setting a new standard for guest experiences in Tagaytay.
If you’re planning a Tagaytay trip—whether for leisure, business, or special events—Hotel Casiana is a sanctuary worth discovering.