Summer’s here: are you prepared for a termite attack?

Summer is the best time to prepare your home defense against termite attacks. There’s still a lot of time before the termites start swarming.  It’s better to prepare for any termite attack now than to regret it later. For maximum protection against termite infestation, it’s best to use Solignum Wood Preservative from the leading and trusted wood preservatives for more than 100 years.

The Solignum wood preservative is effective against termites, wood-boring insects, and fungi—three known pests that may cause irreversible and costly damage to our homes if they aren’t stopped in time.

Another breakthrough is the introduction of Solignum Interior.  Solignum Interior is the same tried, tested, and trusted Solignum but now in a reduced odor formula making it very convenient to use inside the house.

Together with Solignum wood preservative, there is Soilguard odorless soil termiticide that creates a barrier to prevent termites from entering the structure. Subterranean termites may live under the soil around your house and they are able to build passageways called “mud tubes” from their colony underground to your house. Treating the soil around your house with Soilguard will prevent subterranean termites from attacking your home. Soilguard creates a barrier in the soil that will kill any termites that come into contact with it. It is formulated to be less hazardous to humans, animals, and the environment.

There’s also another type of termite, called the drywood termite, which lives inside and feeds on the wooden parts of your home. Using a combination of Solignum wood preservative and Soilguard will prevent an infestation of both termite types protecting your home inside and out.

Since summer generally has good, dry weather, it is also a good time to have the house inspected for a possible termite infestation, or to take steps to prevent such infestation. During the summer you may do the following:

Watch for termite warning signs. These include: wood damage; shed wings from a termite swarm; a termite swarm (just before the rainy season); termite mounds (punso); piles of termite droppings; or mud tubes that termites use as passageways from their colony to the wood that they are eating. You may not be able to recognize all signs of termite infestation so it’s best to call for a pest control professional to inspect your house.

Prevent moisture from getting in the wooden parts of your home. There are several ways to do this. Get rid of any stagnant water sources around your house. Make sure that gutters and drains spouts are clean and unblocked, and also ensure that the water flowing from them does not touch wooden parts of your house. Make necessary modifications in your house so that moisture does not accumulate in its interiors and exteriors.

Keep wooden parts of your house from touching the soil. Wooden structures, including posts and fences, must be at least six inches above the ground.

Get rid of potential termite food sources. Termites eat cellulose, which is the organic material from plants and trees. So if you have firewood or piles of discarded paper materials, or junk wood or wooden furniture lying around the house, get rid of them or make sure they are about 20 feet away from your home. Keeping them in your home may attract termites. Get rid of trees stumps or dead trees that are near your house.  Also, if you have plants or trees, trim their leaves or branches so these are not touching the wooden parts of your house.

These are just some of the things you can do to prevent a termite infestation of your home. For more information, you may call Jardine Distribution at 02-8436011 or visit its facebook page or website www.jardinedistribution.com.

Vista Residences: The Wil to Invest with Success

While most condominiums market themselves as unique, only a handful offer true and relevant value for would-be investors and residents, with Wil Tower as one among them. Here are the six reasons why Wil Tower makes sense as an investment:

·    It has a full-fledged, high-end, four-story mall. While most condominiums offer basic features such as a convenience store and laundromat usually located on the first floor, Wil Tower Mall has a high-gloss four-story commercial podium that occupies a total area of 14,000 square meters of retail heaven. It is the only mall in Quezon City that seamlessly blends within a residential tower. Some of the establishments that have opened are WBR (Wil Bar and Restaurant), Starbucks, Draft, Pho Hoa, My Thai Restaurant, Bench Fix Salon, Bench Body, and the premium Apple products reseller Beyond the Box. More upscale lifestyle brands and dining destinations will soon open as the residential tower nears completion this year.

A sophisticated feel is evoked by an all-white theme in this Wil Tower model unit. The key is to repeat key elements such as the color (which is extended to the modular cabinets in the kitchen) and motif such as the photographs of orchids that echo the actual pot of orchids on the dining table. Cool on the eye and refreshing all throughout, this is one space that combines classical forms with a contemporary feel.

·    It offers a menu of leisure and entertainment options. While Wil Tower Mall is open to the public, an amenities floor caters exclusively for the use of residents. Comprised of a swimming pool, a fully-fitted gym, a spa and a jogging path, these amenities invite residents to take it easy and give in to relaxation. An audio-video room and a game room additionally provide entertainment to residents while a day-care center is on hand for the use and enjoyment of the little ones.

·    It features “intelligent building technology.” A computer network manages and operates building features such as the elevators, security cameras, and fire and electrical systems. This assures their safe, efficient and tamper-proof function—something that a sensible homeowner should require.

·    It is conceptualized to become a landmark. Wil Tower is designed by the US-based, international architectural firm RTKL, with Arch Haus Asia Consultants as local counterpart. Combining elegance and modernity in one structure, it is a virtual showstopper amid the glitz and glam of the area. The interiors evoke the high-class glamour of the outside, highlighted by the Kenneth Cobonpue chandelier located in the atrium lobby, which sets the tone for Wil Tower as an embodiment of artistic sophistication.

·    It is centrally located in one of the most happening places in the City of the Stars. Situated along Eugenio Lopez Dr. in Quezon City, Wil Tower has an enviable location in that it is walking distance to leading broadcast networks ABS-CBN and GMA 7 (and by extension to their live variety shows). It is also mere minutes away from select malls (Trinoma, SM North Edsa and Gateway), hospitals (St. Luke’s Hospital and Capitol Medical Center) and institutions of learning (University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University and Miriam College). Wil Tower is also in close proximity to the well-appointed cafés and fine-dining restaurants of Timog Avenue and Tomas Morato.

In this Wil Tower model unit, the designer has created an all-white theme but breaks the monotony when it comes to the bedroom that features warm brown colors: from the curtains to the blinds to the bed cover. Changing a color in a particular room evokes not only a transition in space but a subtle variation that makes the room interesting at different vantage points.

·    It is backed by one of the most trusted names in the real estate industry. Helming the project is Vista Residences, which has a solid reputation and track record when it comes to building residential towers. Currently, it has a portfolio of projects in Makati City, Bonifacio Global City, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City, among others. Previous to Wil Tower, it has built a development in Quezon City called Symphony Towers. Vista Residences is under Vista Land and Lifescapes, considered as the biggest homebuilder in the country. At the end of the day, all you need is a trusted developer which can deliver your dream condo and secure your investment.

For more information, contact 650-0753 or 0999-887-1705 or check out Vista Residences’ website at www.vistaresidences.com.ph. 

Anya Resorts and Residences: Golden opportunity in PH’srobust 2014 real estate market

There’s no better time than 2014 for investors to acquire properties in the Philippines—experts are projecting continuous and robust growth for the real estate sector for the rest of the year. For example, the Urban Land Institute’s survey ranks the Philippines as fourth in Asia-Pacific property investment prospects, after Tokyo, Shanghai, and Jakarta. Such attractive property investment prospects in the country include office, industrial, retail, residential, and leisure.

FOCUS on what’s truly important:  real wellness and well-being. A stay at Anya Resort and Residences in Tagaytay puts matters in perspective while you relax, enjoy nature’s beauty, reward and pamper yourself. 

NATURE’S BOUNTY. From fresh fruits to vegetables grown on-site,  Anya Resort and Residences in Tagaytay serves international cuisine that’s both delicious and healthy. 

In the residential and leisure property sector, Anya Resorts and Residences in Tagaytay represents one of the prime investment opportunities. It combines a boutique resort sanctuary with luxury residential units; and offers investors not only luxurious vacation homes with a wellness component, but also the opportunity for ROI and profit. Some of the advantages that an investor in Anya will enjoy include:

Liquidity. Anya provides investors cash on an ongoing basis. Its world-class resort facilities assure a steady and growing client base among wellness travelers, keeping an investor’s share liquid. It’s like earning cash while you sleep.

FLOWERS simply be:  they bloom in their own time, drink in the sunshine, and bring beauty and life into the world.  On its own, a flower is an image of serenity—this is the same serenity you find in Anya Resort and Residences in Tagaytay which is peacefully a-bloom the whole year.

THE ROAD to Anya Resort and Residences in Tagaytay is your entrance to wellness, relaxation, and pampered luxury like no other.  Guests, residents, and investors find all that they need and more when they arrive: Anya is not just a great place for finding health and rejuvenation; not just an awesome place to live in; but also a smart investment that gives comparatively quick, sustained, higher-than-usual returns.

Highest capital appreciation. As a branded, full-service, and managed development, Anya is expected to rise in value fast, with higher cash returns compared to other types of real estate. This is due to excellent maintenance and world-class facilities that inspire trust and loyalty among its customers.

Managed asset. Anya is fully managed by world-class experts. These experts are there to ensure that Anya’s investors continue to earn from their investment. With their investment under Anya’s management; investors can continue focusing on their main business as their money grows.

ANYA RESORT AND RESIDENCES in Tagaytay provides quiet spaces for rest, relaxation, and introspection. All of its amenities are designed for wellness, rejuvenation, and pampering. It is open to visiting guests and vacationers, as well as to investors who wish to purchase their own residential units with the option to have these leased.

STONE PATHS weave through pocket gardens that dot Anya Resort and Residences in Tagaytay. The property’s 5.7 hectares are landscaped to flow with the terrain, so that the development remains environmentally- friendly and enhance the surroundings’ natural beauty. Anya is open to vacationers, would-be residents, and investors. 

Co-ownership. Investors become co-owners of Anya, which is the Philippines’ first luxury residential resort brand designed to attract top global clientele. Health and wellness is the world’s fastest growing sector, so Anya will be at the center of the action and is expected to bring in a lot of revenue for its owners.

Marketed asset / SLH.  Anya is a marketed asset. The team behind Anya has the expertise for marketing luxury resorts, both domestically and internationally.

Anya Elite Program. Through the Elite Program, Anya’s investors enjoy luxury benefits that are unique and unmatched by other wellness, residential, and resort developments. Members of Anya’s Elite will also enjoy other luxury destinations through Anya’s various tie-ups.

Strategic exit.  Investors have an attractive buy-back option for their shares at Anya. This, combined with frequent and ongoing cash returns, provide investors everything from a high-earning investment to an easy exit strategy when necessary.

POCKET GARDENS throughout Anya Resort and Residences create small, relaxing spaces that are ideal for meditation and wellness activities like yoga, tai chi, etc. Anya is nestled in a secluded area in Tagaytay and provides luxurious pampering and wellness treatments to guests, residents, and investors.

“IF YOU HAVE A GARDEN AND A LIBRARY, you have everything you need,” said the Roman philosopher Cicero.  Anya Resort and Residences in Tagaytay provides both to its guests, residents, and investors. Anya has pocket gardens all around, as well as a Borderless Library where a guest can chose whether a printed book or an e-book to bring anywhere in the property. There are also secluded, private conference and functions areas that are ideal for business meetings and social gatherings.

Anya is located in a most ideal place for a luxury retreat: lush, cool, and verdant Tagaytay. It’s just 75 minutes away from Metro Manila, making it ideal for spur of the moment wellness day trips or weekend getaways. Weekend guests enjoy the resort hideaway facilities while residents are privileged with 24/7 personalized service right in their very own homes, plus unlimited access to resort facilities, amenities, perks, and services. 

Down a secluded road in Barangay  Mag-asawang Ilat, Tagaytay City is Anya Resort and Residences: a 5.7 hectare property dedicated to wellness, relaxation, and luxurious pampering for vacationers as well as those looking for a second home. Investors will also find Anya to be an attractive prospect because of its comparatively quick payback periods thanks to a combined cash yield and realistic capital appreciation return. 

For more information about Anya Resorts and Residences and its investment opportunities, please go to their website at anyainvestments.com; or email infor@roxaco.com, or call 0917-888ANYA(2692).

Anya Resort and Residences is developed and managed by Roxaco Land Corp., the property development arm of Roxas and Company Inc. Roxaco Land Corp. is also the developer of projects like Fuego Hotel chains and several subdivisions in Batangas and Cavite since 1988.

SMDC’s Grace Residences: a gift of serenity

Any weekday spent in the cityscapes of Makati, Ortigas or Bonifacio Global City (BGC) is an adventure. Amid all the fast-paced movement, one can sense the collective pulse of human interaction and the steady bellowing of rushing vehicles. Going home the quickest way possible, whether to retire for the day or to freshen up for a night out, is a challenge because of rush-hour traffic.

Fortunately, there is a residential escape from this feverish pace that is easily accessible. SM Development Corporation’s (SMDC) Grace Residences offers a sanctuary where slowing down is embraced. The sprawling project is designed with a generous open space for tranquility and luxurious amenities that fit the demands of the modern urban professional.

SM Development Corporation’s (SMDC) Grace Residences offers a sanctuary where slowing down is embraced. The sprawling project is designed with a generous open space for tranquility and luxurious amenities that fit the demands of the modern urban professional.  It is near main thoroughfares like C5, EDSA and South Luzon Expressway (SLEX). The thriving commercial and financial hub of Bonifacio Global City and the Central Business District of Makati are only minutes away.

Staying home at Grace Residences is a wonderful option for the city-weary. Its garden concept involves different areas that will benefit every resident, whether single or with family. Lush greens complement subtle swirling patterns reflected on its towers’ facades.

Grace Residences is SMDC’s first mid-rise property development in Taguig. It is near main thoroughfares like C5, EDSA and South Luzon Expressway (SLEX). The thriving commercial and financial hub of Bonifacio Global City and the Central Business District of Makati are only minutes away. This proximity to business and commercial areas allows residents to make quick trips to modern facilities like shopping malls, boutique stores, sports halls, arts and culture hubs, and entertainment spots.

Grace Residences is one of the many projects under the SM brand, making it a major investment consideration. SM is acknowledged as a dominant figure in property development, mall operations, banking and finance, retail, hotels and conventions. As a property developer, the quality of SMDC’s projects is compared to that of 5-star hotel. And with a concept like a garden in the city, one can expect a gift of serenity waiting at home by the end of each frenzied day.

Jardine Distribution, Inc. distributes tents to schoolchildren affected by Yolanda in Northern Cebu

Jardine Distribution Inc. turned its efforts to help schoolchildren affected by Typhoon Yolanda in Northern Cebu. In cooperation with the Department of Education, JDI distributed 15 tents in Northern Cebu to be used as makeshift classrooms.

Edwin Hernandez, President and General Manager of Jardine Distribution, Inc., explained that the company chose to focus on helping the children in Yolanda-affected areas after talks with the DepEd through Undersecretary Mario Derequito.

“Resuming the school activities of kids is really an important part of helping families and communities recover from the effects of the typhoon. By contributing in this way to the rehabilitation efforts, we are empowering communities to return to their normal way of life,” said Hernandez, adding that education is always a priority in the company’s CSR projects.

Previously, JDI also helped schoolchildren affected by Yolanda in Leyte. The company distributed a thousand learner kits to schoolchildren in Yolanda-hit areas. “Yolanda destroyed schools and swept away learning materials. The typhoon took away a vital part of the lives of so many children. We believe that by helping them resume their education, they will feel that there is hope, and they can move on to fulfill their dreams,” said JDI Marketing Manager Peachy Tiu.

Jardine Distribution, Inc. represents a number of local and global companies that provide world-class crop protection and construction chemical products. They are focused on the safe use of these products, providing technical support, and with due consideration of environmental protection. 

Vista Residences: Homes that Stand Out

A home has long been considered a social marker, signifying both the achievement and aspiration of its owner. It exemplifies his taste, style and the things that he considers important in his life. Its location, whether in a mid-range subdivision or an exclusive village, also shapes on how we view—and value—the home.

Now, as more and more people choose to live in high-rise residences, we now judge a unit on its developer, the actual structure and its location. These three things also help inform the prospective unit owner on his selection. More often than not, these things seldom intersect. A well-known developer, for instance, may not always produce an eye-catching project or perhaps the structure, designed by an award-winning architect, suffers from a not-so-good location.

 “At Vista Residences, all these considerations come together,” says Beth Kalaw, Vista Residences HRB Division Head. “First, as a subsidiary of Vista Land, we have proven our track record in developing and turning over communities in record time. We have a very personalized relationship with our homeowners, which proves that our commitment goes beyond home building. Second, we only tap architecture and construction firms which are known to deliver topnotch service. This is why our buildings are well-built and well-designed. Third, we only locate our developments in choice real estate sites, be it in a central business district or near interesting natural landmarks.”

With all these three considerations positively addressed, it’s no surprise that people are choosing to live in the many developments of Vista Residences that are located in Metro Manila and outside it. They are those who want to separate themselves from the pack and won’t settle for a cookie-cutter building. They either want to upgrade their lifestyle or maintain it by surrounding themselves with a variety of retail, dining and leisure options. And yet, they are sensible people who know their money’s worth and spot a good project when they see one. These are the people who want to stand out.

“Some of our clients have actually grown in our subdivisions we have built in the ‘70s and ‘80s,” Emma Amores, Corporate Communications Head. “Now, that they are working and saving up for their own home, they choose to remain loyal to the brand by investing on a Vista Residences unit. They carry the associations of the home of their early years to the one that they will soon occupy.”

It also helps that the building itself signals the homeowner’s discriminating taste. Every Vista Residence tower is meant to become an architectural landmark, a structure that it is easy to spot for its modern lines, expressive details and evocative silhouette. To achieve this end, the company has worked with a roster of some of the best architects in the country that includes Arc. Felino Palafox, Arc. William Coscolluela and Arc. Carmelo Casas. This assures that no two Vista Residences look the same.

For instance, the buildings designed by Coscolluela, the Mosaic and KL Mosaic Towers in Makati City, are hexagonal in shape for a restrained, classical identity while The Currency, located in Ortigas, is expressive with its two-wing structure. Although both located in Quezon City and designed by the same international architectural firm called RTKL, The Symphony Towers and Wil Tower have their unique characters. While The Symphony Towers look soft and elegant with their glass-clad buildings, Wil Tower is all glitzy and glam with its four-story podium of commercial spaces.

Aside from design, every Vista Residence has a list of amenities that are tailor-fitted to the lifestyle of homeowners. Mosaic and KL Towers have their own coffee shops that take on the full view of the nearby parks; the trio of university towers, 878 España, Vista Residence Taft and Vista Residence Katipunan, all have study areas and halls for brainstorming sessions; while Wil Tower has its own day-care center. These are on top of the more-than-basic amenities that include a pool, a fitness center and function rooms.

In addition, a Vista Residence unit owner stands out because of the location of the development, usually in prime real estate or the “center of the center” of the urban jungle. The company has projects in all three central business districts: The Currency (Ortigas); The Gallery, Mosaic Tower and KL Mosaic (Makati) and Avant at the Fort (Bonifacio Global City). Residents, aside from taking advantage of all the shopping, dining and leisure options in the vicinity of these pulsating hubs, can simply walk toward their offices.

Students can now have the bragging rights to say that their university is just next door with projects that are just across or beside major institutions of learning:  878 España (University of Santo Tomas), Vista Residence Taft (De La Salle University and Vista Residence Katipunan (Ateneo de Manila University).

Those who want to be far from it all—but still have direct access to major commercial centers—will find respite and relaxation with Pine Crest in New Manila (a little Baguio in the metropolis) and The Presidio in Sucat, Parañaque,  a resort-like development which has the Laguna de Bay for scenery. They are usually selected by those who are building their own family.

“Indeed, we offer the best in brand, project and location,” says Kalaw. “We offer the end users the chance to live in the best possible environment—beautiful, centralized, pride-inducing—but with a sensible price tag.”

New Filipino-owned Swiss Hotel is Second Most Googled Destination in the Philippines

Filipino-owned Mӧvenpick Resort Cebu is the second most Googled destination in the Philippines, according to Google’s 2013 year-in-review search list. As first reported on CNN, the Zeitgeist is Google’s year-ender report and lists the hottest travel destinations by country.

The annual Google report captures the trends and interests of people all over the world, including new favorites among Filipinos.

Sky Ranch in Tagaytay and Tubbataha Reef in Puerto Princesa were ranked the first and the third respectively. Pico de Loro, Tugawe Cove Resort, Potipot Island, Amana Waterpark, Misibis Bay, Nuvali and Laiya resorts rounded up the ten spots that Filipinos were most interested in learning more about.

Manny H. Osmena, owner of the two-year old Mӧvenpick was thrilled to hear about the results. “When my General Manager told me about the great news, I was so happy. It Is a gift from God to be recognized for the complete transformation of the property, as well as the transformation of the food and beverage service. We welcome visitors who are curious about the resort and aim to give them a great experience with the unique ambience of Mӧvenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu.”

Interesting amenities and offers at the resort include the Ibiza Beach Club reminiscence of the club atmosphere in the Spanish island. Guests could watch gorgeous views of the sunset as they enjoy the Balearic-stye churrasco capped by the world-famous Mӧvenpick Swiss Ice cream. Guests could also order the same premium coffee served in Mӧvenpick Hotels in Paris, Zurich and Berlin. The outdoor performance venue shoes exciting Latin dance numbers, fire exhibition dancers and Las Vegas style performances four to five nights a week produced by our in-house artists under the direction of the entertainment director hailing from Majorca, Spain Paco Beltran. Meanwhile special occasions culminate in a special fireworks display over the beach from the rooms, views of the aqua colored waters and the seamlessly constructed boardwalk made from ironwood look pristine and serene. Guests pamper themselves with the finest bath sets imported from the luxury brand Chopard. To begin and end the journey is a luxury hotel car service: a Porsche Cayenne, which provides visitors a full-circle experience of excellence and elegance they won’t forget.

The above qualities of Mӧvenpick Resort Cebu make it a place for a great and luxurious stay. The traits of this place have fueled the Filipino traveler’s interest in making Mӧvenpick Resort Cebu his destination of choice in 2013 and beyond.