That bargain piece of hotel history may come with an unexpected headache.

The GSIS has issued a strongly worded warning to companies and others that may have dealt in fixtures taken from the former Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel, asserting its ownership of the hotel’s chandeliers, bannisters, railings and other valuable fixtures following the termination of its lease.

The Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila closed its doors on 1 July 2024 after 48 years of continuously operating since it opened in 1976, originally as the Philippine Plaza, then the Westin Philippine Plaza, finally as the Sofitel.

The state pension fund cautioned against transactions involving the hotel’s fixtures, saying the damage, destruction, or removal of fixtures and other attachments from the premises may carry criminal and civil liabilities.

More interestingly, GSIS is asking for information on buyers, sellers and brokers, as well as auction or sale dates and even the whereabouts of the missing items.

So, who walked away with a piece of Sofitel — and where are those pieces now?