Thursday, July 25, 2013

Ascott boosts Phl presence with Alabang serviced residence



 (The Philippine Star) | Updated July 12, 2013 - 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines - Ascott Ltd, the wholly-owned serviced residence business unit of Singapore-based CapitalLand – one of the biggest property developers in Asia – has increased its presence in the Philippines by securing a contract to manage a serviced residence in Alabang.
The 150-unit Somerset Alabang Manila, slated to open in 2017, will reinforce Ascott’s position as the largest international serviced residence owner-operator in the Philippines with more than 1,400 apartment units across eight properties.
Arthur Gindap, Ascott’s regional general manager for the Philippines and Thailand, said: “We see immense potential for Ascott in the Philippines as the country continues to enjoy strong economic growth and to attract foreign direct investment. In 2012, foreign direct investment into the Philippines grew by almost 10 percent over 2011. The Philippines’ recent credit rating upgrade to investment grade by Fitch and Standard & Poor’s will spur further growth. Ascott already has a strong foothold in Makati City, the country’s primary financial center, with three operating properties. Hence, we are actively expanding in other business districts where foreign direct investment has generated robust demand for serviced residences.”
The contract was awarded by LBL Prime Properties Inc., a land owner and developer with extensive experience in serving the commercial, hospitality, logistics and manufacturing industries in Asia.
Somerset Alabang Manila has a prime location within the fast developing Filinvest City, an integrated development comprising office, retail, residential and leisure components. The serviced residence is close to the corporate offices of multinational corporations such as Shell, HSBC, Verizon and Fluor Daniel.
Somerset Alabang Manila will offer spacious studio, one- to three-bedroom residences and penthouse units. All apartments will come with a fully-equipped kitchen, separate living, dining and work areas. The comprehensive facilities at the serviced residence include an outdoor swimming pool, gymnasium, residents’ lounge, children’s playroom, meeting rooms and business center.
Apart from Somerset Alabang Manila, Ascott is also set to open Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila and Citadines Salcedo Makati in 2014 and Citadines Millennium Ortigas Manila in 2015.
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Continuing the Rockwell promise of quality living at The Alvendia



 (The Philippine Star) | Updated July 12, 2013 - 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines - After its tremendous success with its first horizontal development, 205 Santolan by Rockwell, premier property developer Rockwell Land Corp. introduces another exclusive low-rise community at The Alvendia.
An enclave of only 28 low-rise residences resting upon a 4,000-sqm property, The Alvendia by Rockwell is a cozy neighborhood for those who choose a life of harmony and tranquility. The Alvendia will rise in a peaceful district in San Juan, and will be neighbored by high-end villages in Greenhills.
Comfort and convenience come together in this enclosure of refined residences, with respected private schools like Xavier School, Immaculate Conception Academy, St. Paul and La Salle Greenhills mere minutes away, along with retail establishments on Wilson Ave. and Greenhills Shopping Center.
Providing quality living for families, The Alvendia by Rockwell features three-story units. With 300 square meters and three bedrooms, children of every age and heads of the family will surely find a space to call their own in each exquisite home.
The second low-rise development to bear the prestigious Rockwell name, The Alvendia will provide discerning homeowners with the Rockwell lifestyle. This chic community will feature a swimming pool and a multi-purpose area exclusive to its residents. To retain the standard of quality in these residences, The Alvendia will be in the hands of Rockwell Property Management Corp., ensuring amenities and common areas are well-kept.
Rockwell also provides families residing in The Alvendia with safety, with premises equipped with a CCTV system, closely monitored by expertly trained security personnel, and accessible only through an exclusive gated entrance. Like every Rockwell development, the Alvendia is also well-prepared for unfriendly weather, with 100-percent standby emergency power in all its common areas and facilities.
“The Alvendia will be another unique Rockwell community,” shares Valerie Soliven, Rockwell Land’s senior vice president for sales and marketing. “With many of our clients expressing their satisfaction with 205 Santolan by Rockwell, we look forward to creating another neighborhood where families can experience the prestigious lifestyle in which Rockwell prides itself.” Homeowners can already begin moving in by 2014.
A close-knit community in a calm neighborhood, The Alvendia by Rockwell is set to be the ideal nest for those who seek solitude in the city.
To learn more about The Alvendia by Rockwell, call 0917 3236123. 

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Manhattan Garden City brings the magic to where you are



 (philstar.com) | Updated July 12, 2013 - 4:50pm
MANILA, Philippines – Manhattan Garden City (MGC), an 18-tower residential development envisioned to be a luxury-New York themed backdrop of Araneta Center, is set to bring out that magical feel for every homeowner who aspires for his own home in the city.
Its vicinity, lined with posh malls, entertainment hubs, and shopping and dining establishments with international concert grounds give out that solid impression of having life's both basic needs and lavish desires magically transform in front of one's eyes.
This is what exclusive marketing arm Megaworld Central Properties, Inc. (MCPI) has in store for the privileged homeseekers: A lifestyle of exclusivity and luxury. Aside from a spectacular setting, Manhattan Garden City also boasts of superb recreational amenities that keep one inspired even at the end of each busy day. Its swimming pools, jogging trails, zen gardens and reflexology paths send out the right amount of relaxing aura that each would truly crave for.
Manhattan Garden City also happens to be at the center of all exclusive finds. It is also magically located in an address where all modes of transportation lines converge, such as MRT, LRT and bus lines – making one's choice of mobility top notch and extensive. For those who prefer to drive, this highly central community is minutes away from the most prestigious universities in Quezon City, Central Business Districts in Ortigas and Makati as well as vital leisure hubs in the metro. Living within Manhattan Garden City at the Araneta Center brings this magical lifestyle right to where you are.
MGC is set to launch its final phase, Manhattan Plaza, composed of 3 new high-rise towers. On July 13-14, 2013 exclusive viewing of the actual units will be available at the 4th level of Manhattan Parkway Tower One. Everyone is also invited to witness ten professional magician-illusionists compete for the top prize in the open street magic competition to be held along General Malvar St., Araneta Center on July 13 at 6:00 PM. For more information on our Projects call 0917.3236123.

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EDSA’s newest landmark rises at Greenfield District



 (The Philippine Star) | Updated July 19, 2013 - 12:00am
Zitan soars at the Greenfield District  
MANILA, Philippines -  Young professionals can now enjoy fully connected convenience at their fingertips with Zitan, the flagship residential condominium development of Equus Property Venture Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Greenfield Development Corp.
Carrying the developer’s thrust to build innovative and thriving communities; Zitan offers a distinctive living experience with its convenient location and well-appointed facilities.
Rising near the corner of EDSA and Shaw Blvd. in Mandaluyong’s Greenfield District, Zitan is poised to be a veritable landmark in the city.  The property’s central location connects residents to favorite spots and important landmarks. Residents can get first dibs on the latest movies, fashion collections, gadgets and more at the Shangri-La Plaza, The Podium, SM Megamall and the Greenfield Commercial Center, which are only a short walk away.
What’s more, Zitan is connected to different parts of the metropolis with its direct access to the MRT-3, and proximity to bus stops and shuttle terminals. Residents can take a Rizal-bound FX at the nearby Mayflower terminal, a five-minute cab ride to Ortigas, or a 10-minute MRT ride to Makati.
Zitan offers a variety of units, ranging from studios and one-bedroom units on typical floors, to a limited number of garden and loft units on the fourth and fifth floors. There are also a pleasing variety of options for recreation and relaxation, including an outdoor pool, a fitness gym, function rooms, and an al fresco area.
What’s more, residents can also grab a bite in restaurants, do some shopping in shops, or get pampered at salons in Zitan’s three-story retail complex. The property is also a short walk from the Greenfield District’s pocket parks, tree-lined roads and verdant open spaces, where residents can connect with nature. To learn more about Zitan, call 0917 323 6123.

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Monday, July 22, 2013

Housing Developers convene on Aug. 28-29



By Cheneen R. Capon
Friday, July 19, 2013
THE Organization of Socialized Housing Developers of the Philippines (OSHDP) will hold its 4th National Convention on August 28-29 at the Marco Polo Hotel.
Sonny Ducay, OSHDP secretary general and convention chair, said they are expecting about 250 to 300 real estate developers and other practitioners advocating for socialized and low-cost housing. It will also be participated by various government agencies.
The Congress will be supported by the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC).
Ducay said the event will be also attended by the Vice President Jejomar Binay, concurrent chair of HUDCC.
Lawyer Christopher Ryan Tan, national president of OSHDP, said the four concerns of the real estate developers and advocates of low-cost and socialized housing will be discussed during the congress. These include permitting, financing, regulatory, and production.
Tan said new technology will be introduced to the participants which can be utilized to lower the cost of construction.
Speaking in Tuesday's Bizforum, Ducay said they are also set to discuss proposal to increase the pricing for vertical and horizontal housing unit.
The said proposal was submitted in October 2012 and is being reviewed by HUDCC and the National Economic and Development Authority.
Ducay said that for horizontal housing projects, a house and lot package, with the government mandated of 18 square meters as standard floor area, should be increased to P450,000 from P400,000.
For vertical housing projects, which include the low-rise and high rise condominium in National Capital Region (NCR), Metro Cebu and Metro Davao, it should be increased to a maximum price of P850,000, and P750,000 for the other highly-urbanized cities in the country .
"We arrived at the conclusion the price is no longer effective of the goods we obtained," said Tan.
He said that they need to put into consideration the increasing prices of construction materials, land to be utilized, as well as the value of the labor.
He said that they don't want to compromise the market with the use low quality construction materials.
He said if the proposal will be approved they will be able to help more the Aquino administration in achieving its goal.
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Sunday, July 7, 2013

The Birch Tower opens ahead of schedule


 (The Philippine Star) | Updated April 19, 2013 - 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines - Mirobeni Property Holdings’s The Birch Tower is now fully constructed and turned over six months ahead of schedule, bringing top-class design, safety, comfort and convenience to residents.
Strategically and sensibly designed, The Birch Tower boasts of an outstanding design and structural team who boldly expressed their intention of giving unit owners the best possible facility. The single aisle-double landing concept was used to provide shorter hallways and units with individual balconies. Mirobeni also made use of high-end foundation bore piles by Bauer, an internationally renowned foundation specialist and was the first in the country to use the “bell-out” type of bore-piling, allowing more stability and structural safety compared with the standard pile being used in the country today. Green features were also applied—using natural lighting and ventilation such that in cases of emergency and power failure, units are assured to remain functional.
For the residents’ comfort, a huge swimming pool, a very relaxing sauna, an immensely spacious function room that can accommodate 200 people, a spacious gym and game room with provisions for indoor sports for the adults, and a very cozy kiddie play room designed solely for the purpose of letting the tiny adults have a little luxury time of their own are available. To welcome residents and guests, the spacious and well-appointed lobby features an Italian-inspired chandelier, draping 10 feet long and two-and-a-half feet wide—a one-of-a-kind piece since it is specifically and specially designed only for The Birch Tower.
Be a part of The Birch family, call +63917.3236123.

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Sta Lucia builds up int’l offices


(The Philippine Star) | Updated April 26, 2013 - 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines - Sta. Lucia Land continues to strengthen its presence in the international market by opening more offices abroad to cater to Filipinos overseas.
Sta. Lucia Land International (SLI), a subsidiary of Sta. Lucia Land, builds up its headquarters in London, United Kingdom, Singapore and Dubai by accrediting more brokers and training more back office personnel.
“With offices in key cities in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, we further strengthen our relationship with international buyers, and offer personalized services for them,’’said Liezel Tuason-Magpoc, SLI senior vice president for marketing and sales. 
About 85 percent of SLI’s monthly sales come from Filipinos working and living abroad, and SLI’s international offices contribute about 50 percent of total SLI sales.
SLI opened its offices at Earl’s Court, Central London in September 2011, to service sales from all of Europe, as the company has agents in London, Paris, Monaco, Norway, Italy, Spain and Ireland. SLI went on to open another office at Lucky Plaza in Singapore in November 2011, and at Reef Mall in Dubai in July 2012. The primary objective was to supply trained brokers that could cater to overseas buyers and veer away from the temporary roadshows traditionally mounted overseas, said Michelle Robles, SLI corporate marketing director and sales and operations director of the company’s Europe operations. 
“Aside from being able to provide enough brokers to support the buyers at the time, we also wanted our brokers to give the correct information about our products and about the situation in the Philippines,” Robles added. “Selling houses and lots needs a more specialized training. Unlike a condominium where all the information is in the brochure, houses and lots have a lot more flexibility in specifications in terms of sizes, layouts, materials and finishing. Clients also have their personal requirements, like what direction the lot is facing, or if feng shui is good, and these questions have to be answered by a more knowledgeable sales force -- in person.’’
Tuason-Magpoc also noted that the SLI international offices also allow them to fulfill their brand promise of security more efficiently.
“We are building the buyers’ trust in Sta. Lucia by establishing legal presence abroad. Buyers can call the international office for updates in monitoring the progress and development of their property,”Tuason-Magpoc noted.
SLI also capitalizes on convenience for the OFWs.
“As the buyers are mostly professionals with busy day jobs, our offices are open after their work hours,” Robles asserted. “And because of the fluctuations in foreign currency, we try to make payment terms as flexible as possible for our OFWs by stretching payments and forgoing interest in the first year.”
While the three SLI international offices are up and running, the company remains conservative in expansion to ensure their quality of service.
“Right now, we’re concentrating on training and educating both agents and buyers and offering them our diverse portfolio of reasonably-priced developments,’’ added Tuason-Magpoc. We’re strengthening our offices to support the other countries in their region.” For Sales Accreditation with SLI Projects, call +63917.3236123.

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Megaworld expands Iloilo Business Park; Region VI’s biggest business district is now 72 hectares


 (philstar.com) | Updated May 9, 2013 - 11:47am

Real estate giant Megaworld cements its leadership in Western Visayas as it announces the expansion of its P25-billion township development, the Iloilo Business Park, to an additional 18 hectares. The biggest business park in Western Visayas now has a total land area of 72 hectares.
“We are expanding to cater to the increasing demand for residential and commercial properties in Iloilo Business Park. During the past months, we have experienced the overwhelming reception of Ilonggos to our first development in the region,” says Jericho Go, first vice president, Megaworld.
The company is yet to reveal its plans for the additional 18 hectares. It previously announced that the mixed-use township will cover residential condominiums, boutique hotel and commercial lots, office towers, two luxury hotels, the much-awaited Iloilo Convention Center, the Megaworld Central Mall and Annex, and the 1.1-kilometer Festive Walk commercial strip.
“Megaworld is one with the local government’s goal of helping Iloilo regain its stature as Queen City of the South, which we are optimistic about in the next 5 to 10 years,” adds Go.
In March, the company began selling its first condominium tower, One Madison Place. The property is now 85% sold out and the second tower is scheduled for pre-selling this month.
The two office towers on Megaworld Boulevard, along with the Iloilo Richmonde Hotel tower, are now under construction. The towers are expected to be completed next year.
“Our state-of-the-art office towers will be home to several business process outsourcing (BPO) companies, some of them will be first-time locators in Iloilo,” reveals Go.
Iloilo Business Park is Megaworld’s biggest township in the Visayas, modelled after the company’s ‘live-work-play’ formula that it pioneered in the Philippines. Among its successful townships include Eastwood City, known to be the Philippines’ first cyberpark; McKinley Hill in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig; and Newport City in Pasay City, home of the famous Resorts World Manila.
“We introduced the “live-work-play” lifestyle concept to Filipinos way back in the 90s, which paved the way for the development of townships in the Philippines. Since then, other developers have followed our footsteps in this new wave of nation-building,” declares Go.
For more inquiries on the Iloilo Business Park’s BPO offices, call (0917) 323-6123.

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Sta Lucia pushes condotel concept in Cebu


(The Philippine Star) | Updated May 24, 2013 - 12:00am


MANILA, Philippines - Sta. Lucia Land unveils yet another development in the Queen City of the South with Arterra Residences at Discovery Bay, a condotel project situated at the tip of the Maribago coastline in Mactan Island.
Under Sta. Lucia’s condotel concept, unit owners get to vacation free anytime, with 30 complimentary room nights per year, transferrable, across all Sta. Lucia hotels and condotels in the Philippines.  Sta. Lucia condotel projects that are already operational include Sotogrande and La Mirada in Mactan, Cebu; Splendido in Tagaytay City; and La Breza in Quezon City.
 Sta. Lucia Land has pioneered condotel development in the country in response to the government’s thrust to promote the Philippines as a top tourist destination and a business-friendly environment and has more condotel projects lined up in Davao City, Fairview and Katipunan Ave. in Quezon City, Iloilo City, and Cainta.
Arterra Residences is 20-story structure on the same strip as Cebu’s most popular five-star hotels, a 20-minute drive from the airport and offers a panoramic view of the Maribago coast. Unit owners and renters may also avail of country club privileges with Arterra’s members-only North Point Peninsula and Resort Club. The country club features a wide selection of amenities for leisure and recreation, including a lap pool, kiddie pool, jacuzzi area, poolside bar, spa, gym, basketball court, coffee lounge and restaurant, a viewing deck, function rooms and a business center.
Arterra Residences’ condotel units will be placed under the management’s hassle-free rental program initially for 15 years. Experienced hotel managers and staff will operate and manage the condotel and take care of maintenance as well as taxes, eliminating the traditional lessor-lessee issues.
The Sta. Lucia’s Property Management group has also tied up with popular booking sites Agoda.com, Booking.com, Expedia.com, Orbitz.com, Asiaroom.com and Hotels.com, assuring unit owners of steady income through rental revenues within the contract period, with a high return on investment.
Currently, Sta. Lucia condotel projects earn an internal rate of return of at least eight percent or $570 per month, and annualized growth rate of seven percent. For more information about Arterra Residences contact (0917) 3181589.

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Megaworld launches third condo cluster in Cebu


(philstar.com) | Updated May 24, 2013 - 3:20pm


MANILA, Philippines - Citing a strong demand for residential condominiums in Cebu, real estate developer Megaworld launched its third residential cluster, One Manchester Place, in its 20-hectare "The Mactan Newtown" township in Lapu Lapu City.
 
The company has started pre-selling the 18-storey first tower of One Manchester Place this month. This brings the total number of residential buildings in the township to eight. 
 
The first residential cluster composed of four towers, 8 Newtown Boulevard, has been fully sold out mostly to Japanese retirees less than six months after it was launched last year. This prompted the company to launch its second residential cluster of three more towers, One Pacific Residence, in third quarter of 2012.
 
The cluster, which will have its own mall and office tower, was sold out fast due to the increasing demand from both local and foreign buyers.

 
Boasting a redefined living experience in a township masterpiece, Megaworld’s One Manchester Place is envisioned to bring another sophisticated lifestyle to the future residents of The Mactan Newtown, highlighted by the spectacular views of the historic Mactan Shrine, Magellan Bay and the Hilutungan Channel, and a direct access to a mall that will soon rise in the township.
 
Available units are executive studio (starting from 42 sqm including balcony), one-bedroom (starting from 56 sqm including balcony), two-bedroom (starting from 70 sqm including balcony), and three-bedroom (starting from 92 sqm including balcony). 
 
Each unit is fitted with pre-fabricated closets for bedrooms, sleeping dens, and kitchen cabinets. Each kitchen will be pre-furnished with four-burner (for two and three-bedroom units) and two-burner cooktops (for one-bedroom units) as well as oven and range hood.
 
Future residents will have exclusive access to the second-level amenities floor which includes a 25-meter lap pool with sunbathing deck, in-water pool lounge and pool spa, children’s pool, pavilion, reflexology path, indoor spa, fitness and taichi area, state-of-the-art fitness gym, jogging path, dry zen garden, flower garden, children’s playground, reading nook, daycare center, business center and a function room.
 
Megaworld chairman and CEO announced in February that the company is earmarking P20-billion for the development of The Mactan Newtown in the next five to seven years.
 
The Mactan Newtown, with a land area of more than 20 hectares, is Megaworld’s first masterplanned mixed-use development in Central Visayas inspired by the company's pioneering 'live-work-play' concept.  Aside from residential condominiums, the township will also be composed of office towers, retail and commercial strips, malls, a hotel as well as leisure and entertainment amenities. 
 
The company has been known for its successful township developments in Metro Manila such as Eastwood City, McKinley Hill, Forbes Town Center and Newport City. In the Visayas, the real estate giant is also building Region 6’s biggest business district, the P25-billion Iloilo Business Park located at the site of the Old Iloilo Airport in Mandurriao, Iloilo City.
 
For more inquiries on One Manchester Place, call (0917) 3236123.

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DMCI boosts housing presence in QC



 (The Philippine Star) | Updated July 5, 2013 - 12:00am 

MANILA, Philippines - DMCI Homes continues to gain a foothold in Quezon City’s central business district with its recent acquisition of a 5,700-square meter property in Scout Tuason, Brgy. Obrero.
The lot, which lies in the middle of three major business districts in Quezon City, Manila and San Juan, will be developed into a condominium community for young families.
The project, called Viera Residences, will consist of a high-rise building with a total of 26 floors above ground level with modern themed architecture. Framed by South Triangle, New Manila/San Juan, Cubao-Araneta Center, and Sta. Mesa-Manila on its borders, the development is accessible from the North Triangle CBD, educational institutions, and broadcast complexes in the area, and is seen to contribute to the robust dining and leisure scenes in the Timog-Morato strip.
According to DMCI Homes senior vice-president for business development, Rey Salazar, the land used to host a warehouse before selling it to DMCI Homes. “Given a similar offer from another developer, there are land owners who’d rather sell it to us because we have a good reputation. When we negotiate with people, they know they’d get a fair deal.”
The family represents the biggest market for the company, which is why DMCI Homes’ projects offer mostly two-bedroom units ideal for start-up families that will still grow and expand in the years to come, as in the case of Viera Residences. Since around 80 percent of condo units currently available in the South Triangle and Roxas District areas in Quezon City are studio rooms and one-bedroom units, this new project will provide bigger unit space conducive for an upgraded condo lifestyle.
The vision is to provide homeowners of Viera Residences true resort-inspired amenities and facilities that exude the feel of a “staycation”. Filipinos love to entertain and to this end, the company has raised the bar through well-amenitized common areas. Instead of offering an expensive penthouse unit that only a few homebuyers can afford to own, it placed a sky lounge where the residents can enjoy the view from the top of the building, giving them an experience of the good life.
Solutions-based development allows DMCI Homes to be innovative in its projects. Despite having only 26 floors above ground level, Viera Residences will benefit from the company’s signature Lumiventt technology that incorporates end-to-end breezeways every five floors to fully optimize the flow of natural lighting and ventilation. Single-loaded hallways and sky patios also add to the stylish comfort to the building’s layout.
“The requirement by law is that when you develop an area, 70 percent is buildable and 30 percent should be open area. We reversed that and got a good feedback from our market,” Salazar explains.
Viera Residences is a premier condo community project of DMCI Homes – a company of innovative builders and engineering experts that develop modern day living solutions for urban families.  Each of its developments is built with world-standard craftsmanship borne from D.M. Consunji Inc.’s almost 60 years of experience in the construction and development industry.
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Me and my Ring Rob



 (The Philippine Star) | Updated July 5, 2013 - 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines - Robinsons Residences offers residents of select properties the ultimate convenience with a concierge service that cares.
Good help, they say, is hard to find these days. For condominium dwellers, live-in help is usually not a consideration because of space and privacy issues. But things need to be done. The unit has to be cleaned. The clothes need to be washed. The services of a handyman are required from time to time especially if the household members are working or in school.
Ring Rob Concierge is an extensive online service request platform exclusive to residents of Robinsons Residences projects. It addresses the need for convenience and hassle-free lifestyle of the Robinsons Residences residents. Residents can post service requests through ringrobconcierge.com or the Ring Rob Concierge app available for IOS and Android devices. Through Ring Rob Concierge, residents can arrange repairs and housekeeping services for their unit, or even have prescription medicines delivered right at their doorstep.
Right now, Ring Rob Concierge has started serving residents of Robinsons Residences in Bonifacio Global City, Fifth Avenue Place, The Trion Towers, The Fort Residences and McKinley Park Residences.
“I learned about Ring Rob when Robinsons Residences introduced this concept to the residents of The Trion Towers.  I fell in love with the idea of having a concierge service, as this spells convenience and safety for me. It is also good knowing that those rendering the services for us are accredited by Robinsons Residences,” said Isabel Antonio, a resident of The Trion Towers at Bonifacio Global City and a working mother.
Antonio, a vice president for a bank, is a mother to a 13-year-old girl. She is bringing up her daughter Bianca Ysabella by herself, as she is already widowed. They moved into the condo in December last year.
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“With Ring Rob Concierge, living in Robinsons Residences developments truly spells city living done right.  For information on Robinsons Residences, call +63917 3236123.
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'Real estate will continue to rise'

By Katlene O. Cacho

Wednesday, July 3, 2013
THE construction and real estate sectors are projected to remain upbeat this year on the back of robust property development across Central Visayas.
“The construction and real estate sectors will contribute significantly to the growth of the regional economy in 2013. Construction activities are projected to further pick up as the public sector invests in big-ticket projects to complement investments from the private sector,” the National Economic Development Authority (Neda) 7 said in its Central Visayas Economic Situationer 2012 report, which was recently released.
The sectors’ robust growth last year was attributed to the expansion of activities in the region’s leading industries like IT and BPO, retail trade and tourism. The two sectors also benefited from the steady demand for real property from overseas Filipino workers.
“OFWs seem to consider real properties as good investments for their hard-earned money,” Neda 7 said.
The report said there were a large number of new projects given construction permits last year compared to 2011.
Citing data from the National Statistics Office (NSO), Negros recorded the largest number last year at 277 new construction projects, while Cebu recorded 153 new projects. 
The NSO said 87 percent of the new construction projects of the private sector were for residential use. Thirteen of 24 projects that were registered with the Board of Investments (BOI) last year were in mass housing and hotel construction. The BOI said the 13 projects totaled P4.3 billion in investments, which represent 10 percent of the total investments registered in their office in 2012.
Residential projects
Neda said that in Cebu alone, the real estate sector logged a revenue growth of 18.8 percent in the third quarter last year. The market was dominated by residential properties.
Data from the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) showed 5,212 units valued at P5.17 billion from 14 residential condominium projects were issued licenses to sell last year. All these condominium projects are located in Cebu.
According to Neda 7, the market for residential condominium is targeted to expand further in the next few years as 100 condominium buildings are projected to be completed by 2015 and another 170 to 200 buildings are expected to be finished by 2017.
For the open market residential subdivisions, HLURB recorded 22 projects that were put on the block in 2012, valued at P2.6 billion. Of the 22 projects, 15 are located in Cebu and the rest are located in the provinces of Negros Oriental and Bohol.
Credit access
Aside from the strong inflow of remittances and accelerated developments of various industries, the agency said liquidity in the market through the availability of credit and financing support from banks also fueled growth in the region’s construction and real estate sectors.
It said the partnership with private developers and government agencies such as Pag-ibig boosted demand for real estate properties, particularly for affordable housing units. It added that the move by Pag-ibig to double its loanable amount from P3 million to P6 million and to lower its monthly interest rate from 10 percent to 7.98 percent also helped develop the affordable housing sector.
The report also cited tourism, retail trade, IT/BPO and KPO as among the major industries that performed well in 2012. Exports also turned in a positive performance, despite the weak global economy. Agriculture, however, was not able to sustain the growth it posted in 2011.
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Mactan Rock pours P100M into infra with gov’t partners

By Katlene O. Cacho
Saturday, July 6, 2013
A CEBU-BASED water solutions provider, Mactan Rock Industries Inc., is allocating P100 million in capital expenditure (capex) this year to finance new and existing public-private partnerships (PPP) in water infrastructure projects.
The company currently has close to 10 existing partnerships with local government units (LGU) and water districts all over the country for bulk water supply and distribution.
Once completed, Lito Maderazo, president and chief executive officer of Mactan Rock, said the partnerships can generate 40,000 cubic meters of water supply.
He said they are on the lookout for more opportunities to grow their water business supply and distribution, given the huge demand for water, particularly in remote areas.
“What we are currently embarking on is bigger than our barangayan project as this already involves a wider scope,” said Maderazo, referring to the company’s water business reach from Aparri to Midsayap.
This year, Maderazo said the firm is expecting to sign three partnerships with LGUs and water districts in central and northern Mindanao, southern and northern Luzon, and eastern and western Visayas.
He said the objective of putting water infrastructure in place is to help municipalities attract more investments and ensure that water supply will not be a huge concern among investors.
Mactan Rock, with plant and business office in Lapu-Lapu City, has been supplying treated water to Metro Cebu Water District in Cebu City, and Puerto Princesa Water District and Coron, both in Palawan.
Asked whether the transition in government leadership would affect their existing and planned partnerships, Maderazo said they see to it that they come up with contracts that stand on solid and legal grounds.
“Water is an important commodity in the community and LGUs play an important role in realizing water infrastructure so we make sure our projects are not affected despite leadership transition,” said Maderazo.
The Aquino administration is pushing for private-public partnerships to sustain growth and meet infrastructure needs. In the first quarter this year, the 7.8 percent growth in the gross domestic product (from 6.5 percent in the same months in 2012), was attributed to sustained government capital expenditure and upbeat consumer sentiment.
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Groups behind ‘Mega Cebu’ vision call for broader private support

By Jessica S. Losorata
Saturday, July 6, 2013
TO ADDRESS floods and traffic issues, public and private stakeholders were encouraged to take part in the campaign for a better Cebu, by the Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating Board (MCDCB).
Their vision includes a drainage infrastructure program.
“Flooding in the metropolis is an old problem, which flows with our economic progress.
There is a need to mobilize Cebu as soon as possible to realize the Metro Cebu drainage master plan for sustainable development,” said MCDCB-Research Program and Organizational Development (RPOD) vice chair Dominica Chua.
Chua, who is also the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI) chief operating officer, addressed the EKO Conference: Promoting Green Economic Development last June 19 at Radisson Blu Hotel.
She presented “Mega Cebu: A platform for creating a green city-region” and said the urban vision incorporates doable and practical approaches to make sure most stakeholders participate.
The Local Government Code allows local government units (LGUs) and non-government organizations to coordinate with each other for economic and social development, Chua pointed out.
LGUs and private players were urged to collaborate with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on the drainage program.
The MCDCB, for one, has ongoing discussions with DPWH for a comprehensive study and report on the planning and development of the Metro Cebu Integrated Flood and Drainage System, scheduled for execution late next year or early 2015.
Cities evolving into smart mega-cities and city-regions will have more chances to prosper faster than cities that are isolated in their egional spaces, Chua said.
She said this type of urban atmosphere will attract and retain investments, as well as meet associated demands in traffic and waste management.
Chua also emphasized the urgency of public-private cooperation to combat related challenges such inadequate and aging infrastructure; the decline of the social fabric; continued in-migration; complex trans-boundary urban issues; and slow growth, resulting in Metro Cebu lagging behind other cities worldwide.
The MCDCB was founded in 2011 as a public-private partnership that involves LGUs, national government agencies, business players and civil society groups. It is also works in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency Study Team for the Mega Cebu project.
The group’s working definition of Metro Cebu stretches from Cebu City to Carcar, San Fernando, Naga, Minglanilla, Talisay, Lapu-Lapu, Cordova, Mandaue, Consolacion, Liloan, Compostela and Danao.
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