Why location still matters

It’s an oft-quoted remark that when buying a property, there are only three things that one should consider: location, location, location. This emphasis on where the property is sited rests its argument that location will determine the quality of your life and how fast—or how slow—your property will appreciate in value. Of course, a variety of market forces dictates the price of real estate but it’s safe to assume that the more urbanized the area is, the more expensive the property becomes.

“Aside from the track record of the developer, another crucial factor to consider is location,” says Emma Amores, Corporate Communications Head.  “Way before planning for our high-rise developments, we have already determined key areas that are desirable for the end user and have the most potential for growth. We also play to the strengths of the location. For instance, in Katipunan, we know that our target market there is composed mainly of parents who want to give their children the best possible accommodation in their college life.”

Indeed, every location has its own particular identity, charm and treasure trove of opportunities. In Quezon City, Vista Residences conceptualized glitzy developments as a nod to the city being the “Entertainment Capital of the Philippines.” The company located its two projects, Symphony Tower and Wil Tower Mall, near the two biggest broadcasting stations in the country: ABS-CBN and GMA 7. Some of the unit owners work for either of the two, finding the convenience of just walking to work or home as refreshing.

Another sector that has found these developments appealing is government executives; Quezon City has the most number of government offices in Metro Manila. After work, they can easily find some relaxation along the many restaurants of Tomas Morato or in the city’s gigantic malls, SM North Edsa and Trinoma. For their medical needs, the residents have plenty of choices: from Capitol Medical Center in Quezon Avenue to St. Luke’s Medical Center in E. Rodriguez Avenue to Heart Center in East Avenue.

Quezon City is home to some of the best universities of the country such as University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University and Miriam College. As mentioned, the company is currently building Vista Residence Katipunan which is stone’s throw away from these institutions of learning. Katipunan, with its many restaurants, is also evolving as a veritable dining destination of its own.

In terms of the sheer number of universities, nothing can beat the capital Manila. 878 España, a single-tower development, seeks to provide comfortable home to those studying in University of Santo Tomas, and also those in Far Eastern University, University of the East and Centro Escolar University, among others. At the other end of Manila, the company is building Vista Residence Taft which will service the lodging needs of students in De La Salle College, College of St. Benilde and St. Scholastica’s College.

Manila’s charm is largely historical, chiefly due to Intramuros with its centuries-old churches such as Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church. It remains also as the country’s publishing capital as it is the home of newspaper organizations. In terms of leisure opportunities, it has many things to offer. Malate remains to be a vibrant hub of bars, restaurants and cafés while malls (Robinson’s Place, SM Manila and Harrison Plaza) provide the high of retail therapy.

When it comes to commercial complexes, however, nothing comes close to Mandaluyong, which is dubbed as the “Mall Capital of the Philippines.” Vista Residences’ development in this city is 515 Shaw which, as its name suggests, is located along the main artery of Shaw Boulevard. Mere minutes is all it takes to be at SM Megamall, Shangri-La Mall, Star Mall and Robinson’s Galleria.

Mandaluyong is also home, or is close to, some of the best high schools in Metro Manila such as OB Montessori, La Salle Greenhills, Poveda College, Xavier School and Lourdes School. Because of its privileged location, the city is close to central business districts (CBD) of Bonifacio Global City, Makati and Ortigas.

Right at the heart of the Ortigas CBD is The Currency, which is located in the corners of the district’s most famous streets: Dona Julia Vargas Avenue, F. Ortigas Jr. Avenue (formerly Emerald Ave) and Garnet Road. The development, which features both residential and commercial places, is in close proximity to five star hotels (Shangri-La Mall and Discovery Suites), national and multi-national headquarters (San Miguel), malls (SM Megamall, The Podium, Shangri-La Mall) and happening places (El Pueblo, The Strip and Metrowalk).

Still regarded as the country’s “Financial Capital,” Makati City is home to a plenitude of offices, both local and international. It has a clutch of five-star hotels (Shangri-La Mall, Peninsula Manila, Intercontinental Hotel, Mandarin Oriental), topnotch museums and galleries (Ayala Museum, Finale Art File) and world-class hospital (Makati Medical Center). Greenbelt and Glorietta comprise the main commercial hub of the city whose expansion shows no sign of abating.

Vista Residences has located some of its premier developments in the CBD’s most notable villages: Mosaic and KL Mosaic Towers and The Gallery (Legapsi Village) and Salcedo Square (Salcedo Village).  The towers in Legaspi Village have the good fortune to be walking distance to the high-end dining and shopping and experience of Greenbelt while Salcedo Square boasts proximity to Ayala Triangle with its equally arresting dining choices.

Trevi Towers, another Vista Residence project which is located along Pasong Tamo, Makati,  is neighbors with Little Tokyo (a clutch of restaurants that serve authentic Japanese food), the mall Makati Cinema Square and the schools of Don Bosco, Assumption and San Agustin.

Evolving to be the country’s showroom to the world, Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig is proving to be another seductive choice of address. In this location, Vista Residences has Avant at the Fort, the first building constructed at BGC with the tenets of green architecture in mind.

BGC’s primary retail experience is offered by Bonifacio High Street while the newly opened SM Aura adds to the number of high-end shops that now operate in the city. It is home to a world-class museum (Mind Museum), hospital (St. Luke’s Hospital) and offices (Net One, Bonifacio Technology Center, JP Morgan). Shangri-La Hotel will soon add to the growing skyline of BGC. 

“Our presence in the most urbanized centers of the city gives prospective unit buyers a variety of choice on where they wish to live,” says Amores. The key in selecting a development is for him to determine his needs, his lifestyle and his objective. From the North to the South of Metro Manila, a right Vista Residences project is waiting for him.”

MVP Football Festival in Tribeca Private Residences

 A brainchild between Smart and Landco to celebrate MVP’s birthday together with his employees, the MVP Football Festival held at Tribeca Private Residences’ 7-Aside football field was a resounding success. A total of 8 teams and 120 players participated from across various Metro Pacific subsidiaries. According to Landco’s VP for Sales who played striker for the Landco team, “Football was the avenue we chose since it is a growing and popular sport among the MVP group of companies. We decided to use this event to give employees a chance to mingle with the birthday celebrant in a fun football atmosphere that Tribeca is known for. Despite the heavy rainshowers, MVP stayed to watch the finals match between Landco and PLDT.”  MVP also awarded the top 3 winners of the MVP Football Festival: First place went to Landco Pacific Corporation, followed by PLDT and Meralco in second and third place respectively.

The winning team LANDCO

It was a festive day of football despite the rain

Some leisure time with the birthday celebrant and guest of honor, Mr. Manny Pangilinan

Landco CEO, Alfred Xeres-Burgos III, Manny Pangilinan and Landco VP for Sales Albert Villa

JAMES HARDIE: THE SCIENCE BEHIND HARDIEFLEX ADVANCED BUILDING COMPOSITES

James Hardie has a long history of providing innovative building products to customers in Australia, the USA, the Philippines and other international markets. Today, HardieFlex advanced building composite remains one of the most trusted and reliable building materials. The high regard for James Hardie’s products stem from the following characteristics:

High durability and strength.  HardieFlex advanced building composite is designed not to crack even under the harshest weather and environmental conditions. It is resistant to damage due to wind, rain, moisture, and humidity. Furthermore, HardieFlex advanced building composite is combustible: it will not ignite or catch fire even when exposed to flame. HardieFlex advanced building composite is resistant to termite-damage. HardieFlex advanced building composite is designed to perform.

Convenience and versatility.  HardieFlex advanced building composites are very versatile and may be used for ceilings, walls, sidings, eaves, and fascias. They are easily and conveniently installed and conform to any design requirement.

Warranty and environment-friendly. HardieFlex advanced building composite is made from plentiful non-toxic materials that have minimal impact on the environment. In the case of the Philippines, James Hardie manufactures its products in its own facility in Cabuyao, Laguna. This reduces the “carbon footprint” or fuel emissions required to transport its products to the homeowners. In contrast, imported fiber cement products use up a lot of fuel and release greater emissions into the environment.  James Hardie offers a 10-year warranty on its products.

The process

Do you wonder how James Hardie is able to create such a superior, reliable, and trusted product? Well, while the details of the manufacturing process are trade secrets, we can still find out some of the science behind HardieFlex advanced building composites.

First of all, the basic materials that are combined to create James Hardie’s advanced building composite are of utmost importance. James Hardie began, in the late 1980s, to use cellulose fibers for its products. Until today, James Hardie’s advanced composite building material is made from cement, sand, water, and cellulose.

Why add cellulose? Adding cellulose makes the finished advanced building composite more flexible: bending strength is the result. The final product is not brittle and resists cracking under pressure.

Now, once these ingredients are gathered, how are they combined?  First of all, sand is poured into a huge underground conveyor. This sand passes through what is called a “ball mill”. It is called such because it has steel balls inside that are used to crush the sand into fine powder. Once the sand is powdered, water is added.  Adding water makes it easier to pipe through the sand across the manufacturing plant and also ensures that no heat is produced, eliminating the need for a cooling or exhaust system.

Later on, most of this water is drained from the sand. After draining, the material left is about 80 percent sand. This material will need to be thickened, so at this stage the cellulose is added. Then the cement, sand, and cellulose are combined along with some additives. The result is a liquefied material that is poured through sieves, troughs, and rollers. More water is drained. At the end of this process, a film of fiber cement is created.

The fiber cement film is then put through a further process of drying and pressing and cutting, until fiber cement boards are created. The flexibility and durability of these HardieFlex fiber cement boards make them versatile—they can be cut, bent and shaped to follow a wide variety of designs.

“The entire process is the result of advanced scientific research, engineering, and technology that is unmatched by James Hardie’s competitors. In fact, James Hardie is already producing highly advanced composite building materials in the Philippines. As for our competitors in Southeast Asia, they can only offer 1st generation fiber cement,” said Rose Pangan, Product Development Manager for James Hardie.

You can discover how your home or building can benefit from the advanced science and engineering behind HardieFlex advanced building composites. Visit www.jameshardie.com.ph and like the official James Hardie Page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jameshardiephil or call 1-800-888-5427 (outside Metro Manila) or 895-5427 (within Metro Manila). 

SUNDAY NIGHT AFTER RACE PARTY

After an epic day of running, biking, and swimming, Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu invites the Ironman 70.3 Philippines runners and spectators to rest, relax, and celebrate with an after party at the Ibiza Beach Club, Cebu’s premiere nightlife destination.

Offering artful cuisine in a high-energy atmosphere, the exquisitely chic and stunning oceanfront location of Ibiza Beach Club is a delight to the senses. Sink your toes in the sand and enjoy free-flowing beer, wine, and bubbly while indulging in endless Brazilian-style churrasco meat and seafood. Guests can look forward to completing another challenge as Executive Chef Aaron Foster presents 8 types of meat and 4 kinds of seafood to satisfy even the strongest appetite. Expect an overall entertainment experience with international resident DJ Toni M spinning the finest in house music such as chill house, deep house, funky house and Latin house music.

Whether you’re looking to dance the night away with friends or stopping by for dinner after the race, Ibiza Beach Club is Cebu’s undisputed nightlife hotspot. The evening starts at 6:00 pm onwards for just PHP 2,600 net per person. For inquiries or reservations, please call (032) 492 7777.

About Ibiza BeachClub

The Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu, where the Ibiza Beach Club is located, can be found at Punta Engano, Mactan, Cebu, Philippines6015.

International DJ Toni M has shared booths with other famous DJs and producers such as Kaskade, Mark Farina, Groove Armada, Phonique, and Andy Caldwell.

The Ibiza Beach Club’s Facebook page is found at www.facebook.com/ibizabeachclubcebu

Safe and Stylish Homes for Students

For our parents and their parents, accommodation near the university meant a dormitory, a building with its warren of rooms where they had to live with strangers and share the kitchen, dining area and bathroom with them. Because of cramped living conditions, little or no privacy was maintained. A modicum of security was offered by a guard; a round-the-clock CCTV surveillance was rare if not downright non-existent.

Students of today have far better choices and more flexibility in choosing their second home as they embark on their university life. Vista Residences, a company under Vista Land & Lifescapes which has been providing quality homes for the Filipino family since 1977, positions itself as the foremost real estate developer that caters to the student market. Currently, it is building three projects near the top universities in the country: 878 España (University of Santo Tomas), Vista Residences Taft (De La Salle University) and Vista Residences Katipunan (Ateneo de Manila University and University of the Philippines).

“Because of their stature, these universities attract students from all over the country who would need accommodations that are comfortable, safe and inspire a sense of confidence in them each time they go to the university of choice,” says Beth Kalaw, Vista Residences HRB Division Head. As a parent myself, I would make sure these needs are met. Vista Residences provides not only accommodation but security and amenities that would make the student’s stay memorable.”

Strategically located to be either across or beside a university, the 37-story 878 España, the 39-story Vista Residence Taft and the 30-story Vista Residence Katipunan offer a level of safety and convenience that are unheard-of. Since one’s residence and school is within walking distance of each other, tremendous risk that comes from commuting and public exposure is greatly minimized. The buildings themselves provide topnotch security through 24/7 CCTV monitoring and fire protection equipment that include automatic heat and smoke detectors, sprinkler system and stairwell fire exits. Security personnel meticulously monitor who get in and out of the condominium.

To make a student’s stay in the building becomes more exciting and productive, each tower offers a study lounge, a perfect, quiet place to write that term paper; a set of multi-purpose halls where one can brainstorm projects with classmates; and a swimming pool and a fitness center that will keep the residents in tiptop shape. Serviced by high-speed elevators, the buildings have sky decks that will allow occupants to have a 360-degree view of the metropolis.

“In addition to these amenities, we envision our projects to be a self-contained environment,” says Kalaw. “Residents need not venture outside of the building for their everyday needs and supplies as we have allocated the ground floor for a laundromat, a cafe, a convenience store, a fast food joint, among others.”

Students who would need to visit a full-scale retail hub once in a while need not worry as these projects are near a wide selection of malls and establishments. 878 España is near SM San Lazaro, and the retail spaces and restaurants in Morayta and Recto Ave.; Vista Residences Taft is a few minutes away from Robinson’s Place, Harrison Plaza and Mall of Asia; while Vista Residence Katipunan boasts of proximity to malls in Araneta Center and Eastwood in Libis.

“From a practical point of view, living in a Vista Residence projects mean that the travel time is greatly minimized, if not totally eliminated, during the commute to and from the school,” says Kalaw. “There is no more need to use a car and waste gas. By freeing a large chunk of time, one can devote more hours on studying or doing extra-curricular activities.”

Investment-wise, these developments offer parents the chance to profit from the space as soon as their son or daughter graduates by leasing or selling their unit. It also solves the problem of providing accommodation to another child who is yet to enter college. Since there is always a high demand for accommodations near schools, with a yearly turnover of students, investors can always look count on fresh batch of lodgers.

“In providing the best for their child in terms of education and accommodation, parents are making a sensible choice,” says Kalaw. “The moment their child graduates and takes on a job, their investment in education will start reaping rewards, so is the condo unit whose value will increase through the years. It is always at a ready for another student who, just like their child, is willing to take the challenge of school in order to step into a bright future.”

Roxaco Develops Relaxation Capital in Tagaytay City

Real estate developer Roxaco is offering investors a stake in what is expected to be the relaxation capital of Tagaytay City: Anya Resorts and Residences. Anya features luxurious, international-quality accommodations of Anya along with the personalized service. It is an exclusive, serene and secluded 5.7 hectare hideaway in Tagaytay surrounded by verdant spaces of greenery and flowers. 

Health in luxury

The world-class amenities of Anya Resorts and Residences draw in local and foreign holiday-makers and those looking for a second home in Tagaytay. Anya is not only a lovely place to stay but also a place to enjoy a relaxing, health-giving wellness experience. This bodes well for investors who expect a more than satisfactory, consistent return on their investment.

“An investment in Anya provides returns that go beyond simply financial. To invest in Anya is to invest in better health and improved quality of life. Visitors, investors and  homeowners will experience holistic treatments and services that result in relaxation, stress-relief, renewed vigor and a stronger immune system. Anya combines these treatments with healthy and delicious food, as well as much-needed solitude to better benefit from nature’s beauty and healing power,” said Andrew Sparrow, Project Head of Anya.

Securitized asset

Anya offers investors choices from several types of units including 1) Guest Room/Studio; 2) One-Bed Suite/Residential; and 3) Two-bed Presidential/Residential.

To ensure that room revenue remains at peak level to benefit investors, Anya has forged in partnerships with leading brands, distribution channels, and marketing. Anya is also a securitized asset so it also has ongoing capital appreciation because it is a securitized asset. Current projections place cash yields at 8 percent per year based on the purchased asset price.

Health in luxury

Anya’s luxurious amenities include The Residents' Pavilion, a private complex exclusive to residents; it is perched atop the resort’s highest point and provides an excellent view of Anya’s amenities. There are three swimming pools including the exclusive Residents’ Pool, The Resort Pool which is open to visitors, and the Concierge Pool which is also exclusive for residents and provides a butler service plus massage treatments.

Anya’s resort and residential areas have pocket gardens, streams, and brooks, and pathways of stone and wood. There are areas for yoga, meditation, and other healthy activities.  There’s a spa, a gym, separate pools for guests and residents, the Living Room, and a Borderless Library (where they can get a book or e-reader to read anywhere in the resort premises).

All of Anya’s dining establishments serve healthy, international cuisine: Café Amra and Lounge; Pizzeria Anila; and Samara Terrace Restaurant.  Foods served are gourmet fare meant to  provide a healthy diet,  courtesy of resident chef Carlo Miguel. Guests and residents may order food to be brought to the Living Room, the Residents’ Pavilion, or their residential units.

All of these amenities are made even more special by the warm, friendly,  caring service by Anya’s Filipino staff. Filipinos are the most sought-after professionals in the global service industry and time spent at Anya will show visitors and residents why this is so. Only Filipinos can provide the highest-level of personalized, signature service that Anya offers.

For inquiries about Anya, its amenities, and investment opportunities, please call 09178882692 or email ask@anyaresidences.com. Information is also available at Anya’s website, www.anyaresort.com.

Pontefino Hotel & Residences, The Home of the Azkals in Batangas City‏

Pontefino Hotel & Residences in Batangas City recently inked a landmark partnership with the country’s national football team, the Azkals at the Café 1771 in El Pueblo Ortigas.

 

The Philippine Azkals have won the hearts thousands of Filipinos and marked the beginning of the country’s fascination for football —no mean feat in a country devoted to basketball. While very little was expected of the team, they have defied all expectations by winning match after match after more established teams and clubs abroad.

 

The team officially makes its Batangas home at the Pontefino Hotel, an upscale 60-room accommodation. The hotel is the centerpiece of Pontefino Hotel & Residences, a complete lifestyle community. Apart from providing lodging and hospitality to the team, Pontefino Hotel & Residences will also provide a venue for future activities and efforts undertaken by the team to raise awareness and funds for training and participation in competitions and tournaments around the world.

 

The Pontefino Residences and Pontefino Prime are exclusive residential developments surrounding Hotel Pontefino. Located in the frontier of progress for secured value, growth and high returns, no other residential development in the area comes close in offering such location and accessibility.

 

The partnership between the country’s flag-carrying football team and the premier lifestyle and residential development in Batangas coincides with the launch of the latter’s newest offering, the Terraces at Pontefino. As the ultimate expression of the Pontefino lifestyle, the Terraces feature exclusive, lofts and apartments in a private cluster surrounding a private courtyard. As with buyers of other Pontefino projects, residents have the option to reside in the units or lease them to the hotel through a unique leaseback scheme that earns a monthly revenue for the unit owners.

Shown in photo from left to right (standing) are Azkals players: Misagh Bahadoran, Marwin Angeles, Jeffrey Cristiaens, and Marvin Angeles

Seated from left to right: Azkals Team Coordinator Patrick Ace Bright, Team Manager Dan Palami, Pontefino Hotel & Residences President and Chief Executive Officer Ricky Gutierrez, and SVP & Chief Operating Officer Fely T. Ramos

Pontefino Hotel and Residences is located at Gulod Labac, Batangas City and is accessible by the STAR Toll Expressway. For more information, visit www.pontefinohotel.com orwww.pontefinoresidences.com.