From Chickenjoy to check-in: Filipino ex-dishwasher sets sights on building hotels in 100 countries, as Hotel101 goes global with Nasdaq debut backed by Jolibee, Mang Inasal

Manila: Filipino business titans Injap Sia and Tony Tan Caktiong just proved they’re not just kings of crispy chicken — they’re now making waves in the global hotel scene too.

These two self-made moguls based here and both born in the Year of the Dragon, rang the opening bell at the Nasdaq Stock Exchange in New York on June 27, marking a historic milestone: the public listing of their hotel company Hotel101 Global Holdings Corporation (HBNB).

That’s right — a Filipino hotel brand just landed on Wall Street.

Hotel101 is the first-ever Philippine company listed on Nasdaq, the tech-heavy U.S. stock exchange that hosts giants like Apple, Amazon, and Google.

What does that mean?

If you’re not into stocks, this listing gives Hotel101 access to big US capital — fuel for their bold plan: 1 million hotel rooms in 100 countries.

Yes, they’re thinking global, but with heart and hospitality that’s proudly Filipino.

Global dreams, Filipino grit

Sia and Caktiong are no strangers to building empires from scratch.

Tony, a former dishwasher, started Jollibee from a humble ice cream parlor in 1975.

Today, it’s one of the world’s top restaurant brands, out-frying even McDonald’s in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Injap opened Mang Inasal at 26 — and sold 70% of it to Jollibee for Php3 billion just seven years later, making him one of the youngest Filipino billionaires.

Now, they're bringing that same winning combo — ambition, hustle, and homegrown heart — to Hotel101.

The company already has over 1,400 rooms in the Philippines, with hotels in Manila, Makati, Ortigas, Boracay, and Iloilo. New ones are rising in Cebu, Libis, Davao, Palawan, Bohol, Cagayan de Oro, Baguio — and now, beyond the archipelago.

Hotel101 goes global

Hotel101-Niseko, Japan (under construction): 482 rooms in snowy Hokkaido — perfect for Pinoys chasing winter magic and memories of Kita Kita.

Hotel101-Madrid, Spain (opening December 2025): 680 rooms just in time for the F1 Grand Prix, poised to be one of Madrid’s top 5 biggest hotels.

Hotel101-Los Angeles, USA (coming soon): 600+ rooms plus a convention center, near Dodger Stadium.

Why did Hotel 101 hit Niseko?

Well, it’s one of Japan’s most popular ski destinations, known for its world-class powder snow, hot springs, and scenic views of Mount Yotei.

Filipinos, now among the top foreign tourists in Japan according to the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO), are flocking to Hokkaido more than ever — with Cebu Pacific even launching direct flights from Manila to Sapporo.

And Double Dragon is not stopping there.

There 21 more priority countries where Hotel 101 seeks to set foot in, including the following:

Want a slice of this global Filipino dream?

Hotel101 sells "condotel" units — you get a condo title, and the hotel handles operations. As the rooms earn, you earn too. Sia calls it a “unique and novel” model — and it might just be the jet fuel behind their global takeoff.

At the Nasdaq ceremony, CEO Hannah Yulo-Luccini called it a bold step toward building a global legacy.

 Hannah Yulo-Luccini, CEO of Hotel 101, said the milestone was a “testament to the unwavering spirit and dedication of our [Hotel 101] team,” and a “bold step towards building a global legacy.” 

Yulo-Luccini cited Injap and Tony “whose vision, grit and relentless passion have carried us to this extraordinary stage.” 

“Today, we carry the pride of our nation and showcase the warmth, excellence, and heart of Filipino hospitality to the world. This moment is for every Filipino who dreams big,” Hannah said. 

Injap Sia added:

“This is a historic moment. We’re just getting started.”

Filipino entrepreneurial fire, and world-class ambition — Hotel101 is showing the world what “Made in the Philippines” really means.

And with these dragons steering the ship, the sky isn’t the limit — it’s just the beginning.