Hotelier Brian Connelly has been in Asia since 1997, starting with Hong Kong, where he would come to Cebu on holiday and for work on numerous occasions. He fell in love with the island city, which reminded him of the US Virgin Islands, where he grew up. When an opportunity was offered to helm the Marco Polo Hotel in 2017, he didn’t hesitate to move from his last post in Phuket, Thailand. Brian is currently the GM of JPark Hotel and Resort, a sprawling 16.5-hectare complex with 568 rooms, villas and suites, six themed pools, ten dining outlets, a casino, an activity zone, a dive shop, and a private beach.
Where is the ideal place (location-wise, like IT Park, Mactan, etc.) to stay in Cebu for more than a month?
The location depends on your preference: beach, mountain or city center. I prefer Mactan as I grew up on an island and enjoy living near the sea.
Where can we find you on weekends or in your leisure time, and why?
Being a hotelier, I often look after our guests and team at Jpark on the weekend. I enjoy island hopping, meeting friends for special meals, or exploring Cebu. On some weekends, you can find me at our Farm in Pinamungajan. 

Do you have a favorite Filipino dish, something that’s not available in your home country?
My favorite Filipino foods are pochero, crispy pata, salpicao, tortang talong, and kaldereta.

Do you do grocery shopping? If yes, what is on your staple list?
Two factors affect my grocery shopping. My hometown is Santa Fe, New Mexico, and my Mom was Italian. Pasta, mortadella, any Italian cheese, and more. Salsa, corn chips, avocados and more.
What restaurant would you take VIP guests to, and why?
I would take a VIP guest to Coral, our fantastic seafood restaurant located oceanside at Jpark. The food, service, and ambiance are unbeatable.

What is your go-to restaurant, and why?
I have three “go-to” restaurants: Enye for Spanish cuisine, Anzani for Italian dishes, and Pig and Palm for a contemporary meal.

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