HYDERABAD, India — Real estate strategist Alejandro Mañalac is representing the Philippines at the International Real Estate Conference 2026 in Hyderabad, India, making the case for closer Philippine-India cooperation in wellness real estate and tourism. The conference runs from September 25 to 27, 2026.
A Mission Beyond Representation
Mañalac, co-founder and chairman of Havitas Properties Inc., is scheduled to speak on "The Philippines and India: An Old Connection, A New Opportunity." His presentation will address the historical and growing links between the two countries and prospects for deeper cooperation in tourism, investment, and real estate.
The conference, now in its seventh edition, marks the first time India will host the prestigious global platform. It brings together more than 1,500 delegates from over 35 countries, including developers, investors, policymakers, brokers, and technology innovators. They will discuss the forces reshaping cities, investment, and the built environment.
Organizers describe the trip's greater value as the potential transfer of ideas, practices, and relationships back to the Philippines rather than Filipino representation on an international stage alone. Mañalac also plans to visit selected wellness facilities in India, studying how wellness principles are applied in actual developments and operating environments.
Wellness Real Estate as a Shared Opportunity
Wellness real estate stands out as an area of particular potential between the two nations. India has long been associated with holistic wellness traditions such as yoga and Ayurveda, while the Philippines offers natural assets, resort destinations, English-speaking hospitality, and a growing tourism economy.
Combining these strengths could open opportunities in wellness resorts, retirement communities, second homes, longevity-focused developments, and other forms of health-centered real estate. This emerging sector represents a significant growth market for Philippine property developers seeking to diversify their portfolios.
Mañalac has been actively advancing this category in the Philippines. Havitas Properties is scaling up its wellness real estate footprint with a multi-billion-peso pipeline in Batangas and La Union, positioning wellness as the organizing principle of how projects are designed, built, and operated.
A Timely Push for Stronger Ties
The timing follows recent high-level engagements between the Philippines and India, which have broadened the context for stronger business, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s state visit to India in August 2025 elevated bilateral ties through a declaration establishing a Strategic Partnership.
Both nations have since discussed a proposed Preferential Trade Agreement and expanded cooperation in tourism, direct air connectivity, and investment. The Department of Trade and Industry has also secured millions of dollars in potential new investments from Indian firms.
A landmark agreement between the Philippine Department of Tourism and CG Hospitality Global aims to attract Indian travelers to the Philippines, positioning The Farm at San Benito as a wellness flagship for health-conscious Indian tourists.
A Growing Global Shift
Global real estate is increasingly moving beyond buildings toward quality of life, health, sustainability, and human well-being. This shift gives the Philippines an opportunity to participate early in a sector that could influence the next generation of tourism and property development across Asia.
Mañalac's participation in IREC 2026 signals the Philippines' readiness to engage with international partners in this evolving market. By studying India's wellness ecosystem and sharing the Philippine value proposition, he aims to build bridges that benefit both nations.
