Such has been the dramatic effect of the COVID-19 pandemic around the world, in how it ravaged the business sectors and thus the economies of many countries. Many businesses either adapted to the “new normal” by such things as arranging for employees to work from home, or food establishments taking full advantage of delivery apps to keep products moving. Still, many businesses have been forced to close, whether temporarily or permanently. Only some really big enterprises could weather the storm. The Makati Shangri-La hotel has proudly served guests for nearly three decades uninterrupted, even with the pandemic starting last year. But even giants can fall.

The Manila Bulletin reports that the Makati Shangri-La hotel will be shutting down operations for the time being effective February 1, the start of next month. The premier hotel issued a statement regarding the closure this week, explaining that it is because of the prevailing uncertainties regarding the effects of COVID-19 on their business. In light of prolonged recovery time and financial pressures brought on by the heavily reduced number of guests and clients, the Makati Shangri-La has decided to bite the bullet and interrupt their close to 30 years of service for a while.

“Owing to continued low business levels and having considered all viable options over weeks of consideration and deliberation, we unfortunately must now make the extremely difficult decision to reorganize our workforce and operations in the Philippines as we continue to navigate an uncertain business environment,” stated the luxury hotel’s official announcement. And unfortunately the temporary closure means that quite the number of the Makati Shangri-La’s staff is going to be laid off. Those affected however will be provided compensation packages and continuing support for groceries and healthcare that will last for a transition period until December 31 of this year.

Thus far, this is the only hotel of the Shangri-La chain here in the Philippines that will undergo a temporary shutdown. Its “sisters” at EDSA, Fort Bonifacio Global City, Boracay and Mactan are still continuing operations. During the closure the Makati site will retain a core team that will see to the maintenance of the hotel’s facilities and 696 rooms. During the brunt of the community lockdowns last year the Makati Shangri-La hosted returning OFWs, foreign nationals, embassy officials and BPO employees undergoing mandatory quarantine.Image from Esquire Mag PH