Pinakamagandang bahay sa balat ng lupa exhibit

(The Philippine Star) Updated October 30, 2009 12:00 AM

Tulad ng Dati - first place, student category. Team was composed of Laurence Angelo Angeles, Norbert Cornelius Batangan, and Jaycee Gopez. All are UPD graduates.

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MANILA, Philippines - What is a “beautiful house” in the context of the Philippines? According to the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) College of Architecture (UPCA), it should integrate Filipino culture, be environmentally sustainable, appropriate for tropical living, and inexpensive to build and maintain. These were the concepts behind the “Ang Pinakamagandang Bahay sa Balat ng Lupa (PMBBL) competition, which ended with an awarding ceremony held recently at the Executive House in UPD. The offshoot of this architectural design contest is an exhibit which opened this October at the UP Theater Lobby in Diliman.

The exhibit featured the winning designs in both the professional and student categories—as well as other outstanding entries. It ran until Oct. 23.

According to UPCA Dean Danilo A. Silvestre, the exhibit showcases varying architectural visions of a “magandang bahay.” PMBBL was the brainchild of Architecture Undergraduate Program Director Prof. Nicolo C. Del Castillo. The designs display current ideas that inspire practicing architects and students of architecture, Del Castillo said.

In a message read by Republic Cement president Renato C. Sunico, LCSPI CEO Samir Cairae expressed his gratitude at being a partner in the PMBBL project and stated that the most beautiful houses are those that respect the environment and culture.

Both first place winning designs will be constructed by LCSPI in the vacant area beside the UPD Post Office. A professional will likewise be hired by LCSPI to implement the winning design in the student category. Construction of the house in the professional category will begin in the first quarter of next year, after which construction of the house in the student category will commence. Both houses will be turned over to the University for faculty use.

The PMBBL contest is one of the UPCA’s efforts in pushing green architecture in the country. Apart from the contest, the college is in the process of developing an environmentally-focused curriculum, building up its research and development capabilities to develop design approaches that are sustainable. According to Dean Silvestre, the college is working toward the discovery of alternative building materials, systems, and emergent technologies, as well as the exploration of techniques like biomimicry and biochemical processes that can be incorporated in architecture.

Living a leisurely lifestyle

(The Philippine Star) Updated October 30, 2009 12:00 AM

Indoor amenities are housed at the Grand Clubhouse – a Neo-Asian sanctuary that mirrors the theme of Mahogany Place III.
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MANILA, Philippines - After enduring the grind of a fast-paced, high-pressure urban lifestyle, today’s young and upwardly mobile professionals deserve as much rest and recreation at the end of the day. Leisure options beckon everywhere to cater to this need all over the city: at fitness gyms and sports centers, spas, restaurants and cafes, cinemas and parks among others. Shopping malls and multi-use commercial complexes house all these facilities, but for the busy worker who also needs time to be home with the family, traveling to these places usually doesn’t fit into the schedule

Such premise inspired DMCI Homes to bring a leisurely lifestyle into the community following the company’s vision of providing resort-style living for the market of modest income-earning professionals and their families. At the upscale horizontal development called Mahogany Place III, these facilities are available 24/7 within the Central Amenities Area of development - a 4,000-sqm complex that houses a wide range of unique country club amenities that are sure to relax and rejuvenate residents.

At Mahogany Place III, respite is not a privilege — it is a daily offering for residents who can enjoy the amenities anytime of the day at their own leisurely place. Here, residents cap the day with a smile of contentment and peace, not a harried body that is wary of the next day’s frenzied activities.

Indoor amenities are housed at the Grand Clubhouse — a Neo-Asian sanctuary that mirrors the theme of Mahogany Place III. Modern architecture infused with warm Asian touches and earth colors imbibe tranquility, urging residents to feel cozy once they step into the clubhouse. And further into two-storey, 1,800-sqm structure, more surprises await.

The lobby lounge is efficient designed to host various seating areas and different activities, whether in small groups or even by one’s self with its private nooks. Beside it is the Main function hall with a bar and kitchen that can accommodate large gatherings of up to 250.

At one side of the Clubhouse is a Sauna, with two rooms available to accommodate up to eight people each. Adjacent to the Sauna is a Poolside dining area where residents can enjoy coffee and light meals with the view of the pool at their backdrop.

Within the ground level, there are service establishments that cater to the needs of residents, among them a mini-mart, water refilling station and laundry shop. The Clubhouse also offers Wi-Fi connectivity, so residents can work freely or surf the net to their hearts’ content.

At the second level, residents will find more amenities. Exercise buffs can work out in style with a view of the pool and the tree-lined main avenue at the Fitness gym. There is also a separate Dance studio which can accommodate large aerobic sessions, yoga and dance classes for an exciting, alternative cardio work out.

Young and the young-at-heart residents as well as their guests can also hang out at the Lounge area, Refreshment area and View deck - all these space laid out to suit their whims or they can play pool, board games, or darts at the Game room.

Upscale taste also deserve high-end treats, and at the second level of the Clubhouse, residents are sure to enjoy their own Mini-theater — a 21-seater viewing room with theatre-style seats and a 7.1 surround speaker system, perfect for private viewings with friends and family.

Beyond the Grand Clubhouse, the outdoor amenities fulfill the semblance of a private country club resort exclusive for the residents’ use. A varied list of active and passive outdoor amenities are available, including an Adult and Kiddie pool which are purposely defined for their target users, unlike other swimming pools that are mostly mixed-use. The free-form pool area is even equipped with therapeutic water jets, has generous space for lapping, and a passive leisure area for those who just wish to soak in the waters.

A Pool deck offers sunbathing and lounging options. For groups wishing to spend quality moments just basking in the outdoors, a Picnic grove and several Gazebos can be freely used.

Children can find further pleasures at the Playground or the Sandbox. For the adult crowd, an outdoor Basketball court can become the venue of exciting play. And for the entire family, several parks and gardens and a unique Landscaped amphitheater with plaza can be used for summer workshops or an area for gatherings.

Located within the vibrant Township Central of Taguig City, Mahogany Place III is spread out on a prime lot that occupies a generous 8.6 hectares. At this low-density development, young, upwardly-mobile professionals can de-stress on a daily basis with their best therapy partners: their family and loved ones.

DMCI Homes is the country’s first triple A builder/developer that offers modest income earning families optimum value for their money by providing homes with exceptional features and amenities and world-standard level of craftsmanship borne out of more than 50 years’ experience in the construction and development industry. For inquiries about Mahogany Place III and other DMCI developments, call its hotline at 324-8888 or visit its website at www.dmcihmes.com.

A wise investment

(The Philippine Star) Updated October 30, 2009 12:00 AM

La Breza’s cozy interiors
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MANILA, Philippines - While it is common knowledge that properties are generally good investment opportunities, a new concept in real estate has emerged that result in higher returns on investments (ROI). Condotels, which are condominiums that include units functioning as hotel rooms, are better investments than condos in general and other kinds of properties. This is because condotel owners can lease out their units on a timeshare basis, giving them a steady source of income.

Investors will be pleased to know that the first condotel in Quezon City has been built, the La Breza Tower. Developed by Sta. Lucia Land, La Breza has numerous features that make it an excellent choice as an investment.

As a condotel, La Breza gives a higher annual ROI compared to regular savings or time deposit accounts in banks. An annual ROI of up to 8%, depending on the occupancy rate, is expected, which is significantly higher than deposit interest rates.

Furthermore, the value of the La Breza unit itself will rapidly appreciate because of its prime and strategic setting. Located on Mother Ignacia St. in Quezon City, the 22-storey development is close to commercial establishments, such as the TriNoma Mall and SM City North Edsa, as well as the much-frequented restaurants and café’s of Tomas Morato and Timog Avenue.

La Breza’s topnotch amenities also contribute to its strength as an exceptional investment. A swimming pool, a gym and a business center are available for condotel unit owners to enjoy. They can find a combination of value, comfort, convenience and lifestyle all under one roof in La Breza.

Investors in La Breza can be assured about Sta. Lucia Land’s track record as a property developer. With more than three decades of solid experience in real estate and 200 developed projects, Sta. Lucia has built an impressive roster of residential estates, commercial developments, golf and country clubs, resort and beach clubs, condominiums, and other projects. Among the many awards and honors conferred to the developer of La Breza are the Developer of the Year by Chamber of Real Estate and Builders Associations (CREBA) and the Most Trusted Property Developer from Reader’s Digest Asia.

Indeed, La Breza Tower is a first-rate investment for balikbayans, starting families, young executives and even retirees.

La Breza Tower is exclusively marketed by Royale Homes Marketing Corporation. For more information about La Breza Tower, please call Royale Homes Marketing Corporation at 584-1164 or log on to www.labrezatower.com.

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Creating SMART goals for building wealth
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Real estate sector bucks repeal of agriculture-agrarian credit

(The Philippine Star) Updated November 01, 2009 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Real estate industry leaders rallied yesterday behind the agriculture sector for the retention of the mandatory 25 percent credit allocation for agriculture and agrarian reform, in the face of the banking sector’s reported campaign for its repeal.

In a letter to the Senate agriculture committee, Manuel M. Serrano, founder and chairman of the Chamber of Real Estate and Builders Associations (CREBA), said: “We are urging Congress to maintain the 25 percent credit allocation for agriculture and agrarian reform under Presidential Decree 717.

“Revoking this would run counter to the noble aims of the agrarian reform law (CARL) and the agriculture and fisheries modernization law (AFMA), even as it would negate the social justice and economic principles enshrined in our Constitution.

“Such a move would be especially callous at this time when the agriculture sector badly needs credit, in the wake of the devastation wrought by the successive typhoons that recently hit our country.

“Sentiment aside, such a move would amount to economic suicide; for, while we are sacrificing the interests of all other sectors by subjecting the country’s lands to agrarian reform, yet we are not properly arming the peasantry with the means to optimally use such lands towards socio-economic progress for the entire nation.

“Credit support is one of the most fundamental needs of the agriculture sector. Simply put, without sufficient credit, farmers would have no means by which to buy seeds, fertilizers, animal feeds, tools, machinery and many other input.

“For Congress to ignore that need would mean that the terms “food security,” “sustainable development,” “agro-industrialization” and “global competitiveness” mentioned in our laws are nothing more than bare motherhood statements devoid of substance.

“Bangko Sentral statistics show that even with the 25 percent mandatory allocations, loans to the agriculture sector continue to be among the lowest priorities of the banking sector.

“For instance, for the first half of this year, agricultural loans granted by thrift banks averaged only 6.7 percent of total outstanding loans, for rural banks it is 32.9 percent, while for commercial banks it is only 10.7 percent.