From Soil to Skyline
The history of Limketkai Center is the history of Cagayan de Oro's transformation
Feature Presentation
Building the Future of Mindanao
FIG. 01 — LKKS HISTORY AVP
Don Lim Ket Kai
Founder, 1954
"Build with integrity, and the community will follow."
Before the high-rise towers and the bustling atriums, there was a simple commitment to industry. Limketkai Sons, Inc. began not as real estate developers, but as pioneers in manufacturing and agriculture, producing the household staple Marca Leon.
Among Don Lim Ket Kai's children, his sons Alfonso U. Lim and Albino Lim would later lead the family in envisioning the center and the rest of the family's businesses: LMC, hotel, property development, and F&B. The family's acquisition of a vast tract of land in Lapasan, then considered a marshland outskirts, was met with skepticism. Yet, it became the foundation of the city's first central business district.
A dynamic duo
Upon Don Lim Ket Kai's passing, his sons took the helm. Leading the way were Alfonso U. Lim and Albino Lim.
Alfonso U. Lim
Alfonso further grew the family's agri-manufacturing business by pioneering corn oil processing in the country, to launch Marca Leon Corn Oil and other food brands. Along with Albino, he also envisioned a commercial center with a mall, offices, F&B, and hotel, which is what we see now in Limketkai Center.
Alfonso led the family with his creativity, innovations, and keen strategy.
Albino Lim
Albino complemented Alfonso by implementing various initiatives and managing day-to-day operations in the center.
They both formed a dynamic duo that led the family business and, together with the family, built it to its current glory.
Agricultural Beginnings
The Limketkai family begins with agricultural and manufacturing enterprises, producing household staple Marca Leon, laying the foundation for future development
The Founding
Limketkai Sons, Inc. establishes its roots, envisioning a commercial hub that would transform the landscape of Cagayan de Oro
Limketkai Mall Opens
The opening of Limketkai Mall marked the beginning of modern retail in Northern Mindanao, setting a new standard
Gateway Tower 1
Gateway Tower 1 commences operations, adding premium office space to the district
BPO Hub
Cybergate and Cyberpark establish the IT corridor, positioning Limketkai as a major BPO destination
Limketkai Luxe Hotel
Limketkai Luxe Hotel opens as the city's first high-rise, establishing the hospitality vertical
Gateway Tower 2
Gateway Tower 2 completed, expanding office capacity in the district
Annex Renovation
Annex Building renovation completed, modernizing the mixed-use facilities
Future Vision
Continuing expansion with high-rise towers, techno-hubs, and sustainable living spaces
The archives
A visual record of our evolution.
Early Days of Limketkai Center
Limketkai Mall Heritage Photo
Historic Photograph
Archival Collection