Senate approves Magna Carta for Homeowners and Homeowners Association on 2nd reading
Bill to accord equal rights to homeowner members and non-members Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri on Saturday committed to approve the Magna Carta for Homeowners and Homeowners Association for third and final reading before Congress adjourns sine die on Thursday.
Senate Bill No. 3061 or the Magna Carta for Homeowners and Homeowners Association was submitted to the plenary on Wednesday and was approved on second reading after lengthy debates and additional amendments proposed by Senators Aquilino Pimentel Jr, Jingoy Estrada, Miriam Defensor Santiago and Panfilo Lacson.
He said the Magna Carta for Homeowners and Homeowners Association aims "to provide homeowners both members and non-homeowner members association their rights and duties" and to finally "put to rest the issue of jurisdiction of homeowners associations including their intra and inter-association controversies."
In his sponsorship speech, the senator defined homeowners as "not only those living in titled homes and lots in subdivisions but to lessees, awardees, beneficiaries, or occupants in government socialized or economic housing or relocation projects, and even underprivileged and homeless citizens while they are in the process of being accredited as beneficiaries or awardees of ownership rights under the CMP, LTA, and other similar programs."
Zubiri explained that "homeownership is not necessarily dependent on full and actual ownership, as even those with beneficial ownership can be entitled to the rights granted to homeowners."
He said "provided that lessees in government socialized housing projects or urban estates and those in communities of underprivileged and homeless citizens covered under the term under Section 3 (1) of this Act, will be considered as homeowners for the purpose of qualifying as a member of a homeowners' association without need of such written consent or authorization."
The Majority Leader also clarified that "all homeowners can become members of the homeowners' association and at the same time allows homeowners not to engage or member in any homeowners association as indicated in Article III, sec. 8 of the 1987 Constitution, stating "membership in homeowner's association is generally voluntary, subject only to a few exceptions recognized by the Supreme Court through various decisions on the matter."
He said that while the law recognized that membership in any association is voluntary unless it is stipulated in the contract or annotated in the title.
The proposed act likewise recognized two classes of homeowners exist, non-member homeowners and the homeowner members.
"The rights of both classes are enumerated in the proposed legislation, subject to any additional benefits which they may receive by virtue of the homeowners' association by-laws," Zubiri said.
"A non-member homeowner has the duty to pay the costs and expenses incurred by the association for the payment of basic community services."
"On grounds of equity alone, a non-member homeowner should contribute in the community expenses that redound to his or her benefit.
Membership in homeowners association on the other hand "entails more rights and responsibilities, he said.
The Magna Carta for Homeowners and Homeowners Association specifies services which homeowner members can avail such as community services and the use of common areas and facilities, including the inspection of association books and records during office hours, annual reports and financial statements, and accord them the right to vote for any elective or appointive office of the association subject to the qualification provided in the By-Laws, and participation in association meetings.
Section 29 of the proposed Act states that no homeowners shall be deprived to enjoy basic community services and facilities including common areas, as long as, he or she pays the necessary dues and charges accorded by the association by laws for such use.
SB 3061 likewise proposes that the registration of homeowners association be placed under the control of the Housing and Land Use Regulation Board (HLURB). The HLURB under Section 28 of the proposed Act "will provide free orientation to the officers of the association, registration of all associations, federations, confederations and other umbrella organizations of housing organization. It will also take the responsibility to hear and decide o intra and/or inter-corporate controversies, and conflicts among association members and non-members without prejudice to filing civil and criminal cases by the parties concerned before the regular court."
Zubiri believes that "with the passage of the Magna Carta for Homeowners and Homeowners Association there will now be clear cut guidelines on how homeowners association may conduct its operations, and provide basic services to its homeowners, as well as homeowners knowing their right as paying members."
"With this measure we will see lesser disputes between subdivisions against subdivisions, subdivision against their members, and members against other members. This Magna Carta will assist in solving several cases that are now languishing in the courts due to a lack of legislation concerning the matter. It is every Filipinos dream to own his home and it is my dream to give them some peace of mind," Zubiri said.
sources: The Philippine Star Business
Friday, June 5, 2009
MANILA, Philippines – Filinvest Land Inc. (FLI), the real estate unit of the Gotianun family, is gearing up for a major expansion program this year with P5.3 billion allotted for its capital expenditures, an increase of 29 percent from the previous year’s P4.1 billion.
At the sidelines of the company’s stockholders meeting yesterday, FLI president Joseph Yap said the money will start up plans to develop five to six mid-rise buildings, two BPO buildings, the first phase of the P25-billion township on a reclaimed land in Cebu City, and its first high-rise residential project, The Linear.
These projects will be funded using internally-generated cash and bank borrowings, he said.
Yap said demand for housing will remain robust in spite of a tough business environment. “We remain financially prudent and cautious in our undertakings but at the same time ready to take advantage of opportunities when they arise and strengthen our company’s position as the leading provider of mass housing in the country,” he said.
In fact, sales reservations for the first two months are on the upside, rising 15 percent year-on-year to P1.3 billion from P1.15 billion in the same period a year earlier.
Yap said the company is launching 29 new projects and phases this year, estimated to generate around P7.4 billion in sales across all market segments.
FLI plans to launch more phases in its ongoing mid-rise projects in Ortigas Extension and Marcos Highway in Pasig City, as well as in Davao and Cebu. It will also launch a similar project in Sta. Mesa, Manila.
For its socialized housing projects, the company is readying new projects within Ciudad de Calamba as well as new phases in existing projects in Batangas, Cavite, Tarlac and Pampanga.
The Linear, on the other hand, will comprise two high-rise residential towers offering a total of 1,600 affordable units. Estimated to cost P1.5 billion, the Makati project will be developed in four stages, with the first phase involving the construction of the first 324 units.
For its Cebu project, FLI has signed an agreement with the Cebu City government to develop 50.6 hectares of the South Road Properties (SRP), a 300-hectare reclaimed property, into a mixed-use complex. The project will be developed in four phases over a 20-year period with FLI contributing the development costs as well as the marketing and management services.
Another 10.6 hectares will be purchased outright by FLI, which will be transformed into commercial or retail spaces, offices and condominiums and hotels.
Yap said the masterplan for the SRP is now being finalized with the first project expected to be launched by yearend or early 2010.
As for its BPO projects, under construction are two buildings at Northgate Cyberzone — Vector One and Vector Two — which are slated for completion within the year and will add another 35,600 square meters of gross leasable area. This should increase the group’s office building portfolio to nearly 168,000 square meters.
sources: The Philippines Star
Thursday April 30, 2009
MANILA, Philippines - Chinese businessmen have pledged to put up close to $6 billion worth of investments in mining, real estate, cement and call center industries in the Philippines, Malacañang said Friday.
The investment commitments were made during separate calls of Chinese businessmen representing the Fujian Longlin Group Co. Ltd., Sunshine 100, Wei-Wei Group, and the Shimao Group.
The President's first received Fujian chief executive officer (CEO) Yujian Xu, who said their company is prepared to invest $275 million in a cement plant which they hope to start construction in 2009 and start operation in 2010.
Sunshine 100 International chairman Lucio Tai Yen and Alfonso Sy of the Philippines Sunshine 100 Pioneer followed this with the announcement of their plan to put in up to $5 billion in real estate projects that would run for five to seven years.
Sunshine 100, which is behind some real estate projects on Pioneer Street in Mandaluyong, had recently purchased a property in Valenzuela and in Rodriguez where they intend to put up a low-cost housing project and condominium units which they hope to sell at P200,000 to P250,000 per unit.
Sunshine was followed by officials of the Wei-Wei Group and its local counterpart in the Philippines Golden Harvest who pledged to put up a $100-million nickel processing plant in Masinloc in Zambales.
Arroyo said this, along with the $150-million nickel exploration and processing project in Botolan in Zambales by the Ni Hao Mineral Resources International Inc. and Geograce Resources Philippines Inc. of the Philippines and the Jiangxi Rare Earth and Rare Metals Tungsten Group Co. Ltd., of Nanchang in China, will "increase the nickel export o our country."
The said meetings were followed by Arroyo's attendance to the luncheon reception hosted by Chinese President Hu Jintao for world leaders attending the Olympics Opening Ceremonies at the Great Hall of the People, and her meeting with Hong Kong's Shimao Group which reiterated its plan to set up a hotel complex at The Fort.
Led by its chairman, Shimao *** Wing Mao, the Shimao Group told the President they are investing $700 million in the hotel project in cooperation with Andrew Tan of Megaworld. - GMANews.TV
Sources: Gma newss.tv / August 8, 2008
At least 10 foreign retirement homes, led by a $1.37-billion condotel of a Chinese developer, will rise all over the country as the Philippines positions itself as a retirement haven.
Edgar B. Aglipay, chairman of the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA), said these investments have been firmed up within the year and are to be completed in three to five years to host foreign retirees.
Retirement is one component of the government’s campaign for the Philippines to become a health and wellness center in Asia .
Aglipay said Sunshine 100 International, will build a condotel along Diosdado Macapagal avenue near Mall of Asia and on Sheridan avenue in Mandaluyong.
Another Chinese group would build two condominium buildings in Binondo with 350 rooms each.
Aglipay said for the Korean market, four developments are expected, one each in Subic, Pampanga, Baguio City and Lapu Lapu City.
The one in Lapu Lapu City by BXT Corp., would develop and operate a 556 standard and suite rooms hotel condominium.
For the Muslim market, Aglipay said a Malaysian firm would build a City Garden hotel in Cebu.
According to Aglipay, a number of small-sized home care developments – about 100 rooms each — are being developed to cater to Filipino-American retirees.
Aglipay said these developments would boost the country’s position to become a retirement haven. Traditional destinations include Tagaytay, Cebu, Davao, Subic and the Fort where retirees from the US, Europe and Asia reside.
In his presentation at the press conference on Friday at the Sofitel Philippines Plaza announcing the medical tourism and wellness summit on October 22, Aglipay said retirees currently comprise just two percent of the annual tourist arrivals with a greater percentage still going to medical tourism.
Aglipay said that the weakness of the tourism industry is reflected in the Philippine retirement and medical tourism. "If one falls, we will surely stumble," Aglipay said.
Aglipay said apart from beautiful locations, the Philippines offers world-class medical care and support to medical retirees as well as lower cost of living that would allow retirees to live comfortably using their pensions.
Aglipay said the Philippines’ retirement industry has still potentials as young retirees aged 45 to 55 years — who hold the money bag and who fuel the economy — are expected to number a billion in 2010. Retirees aged 65 and above from traditional markets like Japan, Korea, US, Europe and China are expected to reach 425 million by 2015.
The PRA said the industry aims to attract a million foreign retirees settling in the country in 2015, generating $44 billion revenues and 4 million local jobs. (Irma Isip)
Sources: Malaya Business / October 6, 2008
THE HOME DEVELOPMENT Mutual Fund (Pag-Ibig) yesterday announced more adjustments to its housing program, this time creating additional housing loan brackets with lower interest rates.
Vice President Noli de Castro, who is chair of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) and the Pag-Ibig board of trustees, said the rate adjustments were consistent with the redefined housing packages set by the HUDCC.
The new Pag-Ibig housing loan interest rate structure retains the 6 percent rate for loans up to P400,000, and 7-percent for loans over P400,000 up to P750,000.
Interest rates have been slashed from 10.5 to only 8.5 percent for loans over P750,000 up to P1 million, and to 9.5 percent for loans over P1 million to P1.25 million.
Interest for loans from P1.25 million to P2 million remains at 10.5 percent.
Along with the latest rate adjustment, the Pag-Ibig Board also approved the increase in maximum loanable amount to P3 million, at an interest rate of 11.5 percent per annum for loans starting at over P2 million.
The new rates took effect on April 1.
De Castro said the latest amendments to the Pag-Ibig housing loan program was meant to make the program more affordable to members, especially workers in highly urbanized areas whose housing needs often range from more than P750,000 up to P1 million.
Likewise, with the Board's approval of raising the loan ceiling to P3 million, Pag-Ibig will be able to meet the home financing needs of members belonging to the middle -income earners.
"This shoud give Pag-Ibig members a wider range of choices in buying a house," he said.
Sources: Philipinne Daily Inquirer
April 3, 2009
MANILA, Philippines - Ortigas & Co. recently unveiled Circulo Verde, its latest innovative residential development, which offers its residents the living space they deserve.
Located in a 12-hectare property along Calle Industria in Bagumbayan, Quezon City, Circulo Verde will have 15 residential buildings of staggered heights that gives residents unparalleled sightlines of the nearby Sierra Madre mountains and the Metro Manila skyline. As part of the global effort to go green, the development retains natural features that are unique to the property, as well as maximizing the potential of the Marikina River, which surrounds the site.
Ortigas & Company chief operating officer Rex Drilon II says Circulo Verde does not merely provide Filipino families with the homes they need, but also the opportunity to embrace an alternative lifestyle that is sensitive to the environment.
“Our objective is not just to sell condominium units. That’s not what this is all about. Ortigas has been known for the last three generations to provide quality communities,” says Drilon. “We are here to offer the Filipinos on alternative lifestyle. We believe in making projects that resonate with the aspirations of Filipinos. A home is important for many Filipinos. This is an aspiration of Filipinos in all classes, and it would be sad if we came up with a mediocre development.”
Circulo Verde is ideal for a variety of homeowners, from startup families, to upwardly mobile professionals and empty nesters, since it offers a variety of layouts. Its location places residents in a quiet part of the metropolis yet still within reach of major commercial and business establishments and premiere educational institutions in the country. With access to EDSA, Ortigas Ave., C-5, Katipunan, and Marcos Highway, busy executives are just minutes away from the Makati, Ortigas and Quezon City business districts. Major commercial establishments as well as schools and colleges like UP Diliman, Ateneo and La Salle Greenhills are just a few kilometers away.
The international design firm RTKL has developed a master plan that maximizes the area’s natural features to strike a balance between nature and the demands of fast-paced living in the city. The Marikina River provides the perfect frame for this ecologically sensitive master plan.
Greg Yager, principal architect of RTKL, says that Circulo Verde offers a high-quality environmental where people can live, work and play.
“I think Circulo Verde gives us the opportunity to be sustainable,” Yager explained in a project briefing last year. “Being citizens of a world where the climate is changing, we still want to get the quality of life, we still want to enjoy the place we live in, and we still want the best communities for our children. Our aim at Circulo Verde is to create a unique place. You can walk in the garden and alongside the Marikina River, enjoying the fresh air on your face. Then just around the corner, you can walk into the shops, restaurants, gyms and health clubs. You can be in the midst of a flurry of activities without leaving your neighborhood.
Ortigas & Company general manager for real estate, Cathy Casares-Ko, says that the project site is unique. Its location and topography allow the planners to come up with a product that maximizes the views for all the towers. There is a play on the heights of the residential buildings that provide not just unimpaired views, but also brings in adequate ventilation and natural lighting to all units.
168 Haus Inc. is an accredited broker of Circulo Verde for inquiries, please call 630-5121or 695-1389, or e-mail to wilfloresta@yahoo.com. Visit our website at www.168haus.com.
Sources: The Philippine Star REAL ESTATE March 20, 2009
Filed under: Community Information, philippine real estate, metro manila real estate, Condominiums, Realtor William Floresta, Philippine Homes, Manila Real Estate, Philippine Rea Estate, Philippine Realtors, Circulo Verde, Manila Philippines
IN PHOTO -- ORTIGAS & Co. allocates P60 billion for major development projects. Photo shows company executives (from left) Joey Santos, deputy chief operating officer; Cathy Ko, general manager for real estate division, Greg Yager, SVP of RTKL; and Rex Drilon during yesterday’s launch of the Circulo Verde mixed-use project in Quezon City.
CONVINCED that the slowdown brought about by the global economic crisis is just a phase, one of the country’s oldest property developers, Ortigas & Co. Ltd. Partnership (OCLP) said it will continue to be aggressive as it announced a P60-billion development program over the next 10 to 15 years.
In an interview on Thursday, chief operating officer Rex Drilon II said the company has planned three major projects under way. The first two are new residential and mixed-use projects while the other one is the renovation and expansion of the Greenhills Shopping Center in San Juan, considered as OCLP’s most famous project, to date.
The 77-year-old property firm is currently developing the P20-billion Circulo Verde project built on a 12-hectare property on Calle Industria, Bagumbayan in Quezon City that used to be owned by affiliate Concrete Aggregates Corp.
Drilon said accessibility is the main advantage of Circulo Verde. It is near to Metro Manila’s major thoroughfares such as Edsa, Ortigas Avenue, Carlos P. Garcia Avenue (C-5), Katipunan Avenue and Marcos Highway.
“Even if you look at all the projects going on at this time, we’re nowhere close to addressing the housing gap. And while there are many ongoing projects, we believe that we will be able to offer something different,” said Drilon.
Circulo Verde will feature 12 residential towers in varied heights, consisting of about 5,000 units. There will also be a town center where retail space and modern conveniences come together to serve the needs of the residents and the community.
The first phase of the development covers five residential buildings on a 2.7-hectare area. Currently being developed are Ibiza Tower and Majorca Residences, a 23-story and 11-story development, respectively.
Designed by architecture and design firm RTKL, full completion of the project is expected in 15 years. Unit prices range between P3.5 million and P6 million.
“The average industry takeup last year was about 500 to 600 condo units a month. That shows how much is moving. And if the shortfall is 1.2 million units in the midmarket, there should be a lot of opportunities,” said Drilon.
OCLP is also in the process of completing the master plan for the redevelopment of Greenhills shopping center, which will basically expand the size of the commercial center in terms of commercial spaces.
From the present 100,000 square meters (sq m), Drilon said a redeveloped Greenhills shopping center would have 400,000 sq m to 500,000 sq m of shopping spaces.
The redevelopment of the 42-year-old commercial center will be done in five phases. The company is planning to build three residential towers, one service hotel, a new and bigger Music Museum and additional parking facilities.
The renovation and expansion of the shopping center will also require an investment of P20 billion, said Drilon.
The company’s third major project is the 75-story One Galleon Place, which, once completed, will be one of the country’s tallest buildings. It will be located on its 1.3-hectare vacant lot along ADB Avenue, Ortigas.
Similar to the two other projects, Drilon said another P20 billion will be allocated to One Galleon Place. The projects will be funded by a combination of preselling proceeds, internally generated cash and borrowings.
Sources: Business Mirror Companies, March 12, 2009
Filed under: Real Estate, For Sale, Announcements, Events, Technology, Industry, Point2, Finances, Buyer Information, Seller Information, Community Information, Real Estate Practice in the Philippines, manila real estate, philippine real estate, homes, manila homes, metro manila real estate, William Floresta Realtor, manila house and lot, condominium, House and lot, Condominiums, Realtor William Floresta, Philippine Homes, Manila Real Estate, 168Haus Inc., Philippine Realtors, Google Real Estate, Yahoo Real Estate, 168haus.com, cubao Quezon city
WHILE MORE and more homebuyers are being attracted to condominium living - particularly in the mid range developments - there is one thing that still holds them back from making the move: cost.
However, this will soon change with the announcement of Robinsons Land Corp. Housing and Land Development Division about its latest projects that is set to rise in Quezon City.
"Located on the 20th Avenue in Cubao, Quezon City (near Aurora Boulevard), its desirable location will not only afford its future residents a much shorter commute in going to their respective school or work," RLC-HLDD Senior Vice President and General Manager Marilu Alferez describes.
She said Escalades at 20th Avenue will offer units with prices ranging between P1 million and P2.2 million and with floor areas from 50 sqm for a two-bedroom unit to 32 sqm for one-bedroom as well as 23 sqm for a studio unit. "Buyers could avail of several flexible payment and financing schemes that will even make each unit very affordable," Alferez says.
She adds that living in Escalades at 20th Avenue would mean its residence would no longer have to stress themselves beating the morning rush or suffering the late afternoon traffic in getting home. This means not only more time with the family but more quallity living as one will be able to leave or arrive home more relaxed," Alferez describes.
Good Location
Escalades at the 20th Avenue is a few meters away from mahor commuter stations and thoroughfares - the Metro Railway Transit (MRT-3), LIght Railway (LRT-2), Edsa, C5 and Katipunan. "And having a home in the middle of Cubao means you are jsut a stone's throw away from Araneta Center, one of the country's premiere shopping and entertainment hub," she says. Alferez explains that the Philippine Board of of Investments has granted Robinsons Land incentives for this latest master-planned economic housing community.
"Escalades at the 20th Avenue is the result of carful planning in order to make this one of the best choices in its category," she says. Alferez says an Asian contemporary concept featuring earth-toned colors and plusheresort style have been integrated into the overall look of the development. For example, the Escala Verde Courtyard, which is set to be constructed within the development will have tropical Asian-inspired open garden with landscaping for those who want to haev a soothing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
"Escalades at 20th Avenue will have six residential buildings with landscaped courtyard and a host of other amenities that appeals to modern city lifestyle like children's playground, jogging path, picnic area with barbecue pits and gazebos," Alferez says.
Secured, eco-friendly
The property will be fully gated with a perimeter fence to ensure safety and privacy, in addition to having a wide main entrance road, ample parking space, separate pedestrian and vehicular traffic access, among others. In keeping with the trend toward more eco-friendly development, spacing between buildings has been integrated to better natural air circulation. Aflerez says such design will allow more natural lighting assuring future residents of lower energy consumption.
"Escalades at 20th Avenue is designed by RLC with its professional design partners, following a method called "Green Architecture". This means the building will be constructed to be energy-efficient, allowing more natural sunlight into each unit and hallway, and providing greater air ventilation, which saves owners added utility expenses in the long run," says Alferez adding that future residents will truly enjoy comfortable and easy lifstyle within the busy section of Quezon City.
Bay areas were once fisherfolk settlements. But today, almost anywhere in the world, they are sites of prime real-estate developments, whether commercial or residential.
Coastlines are very few and considered one of the rarest properties. The uniqueness of their location, where the water meets land, has its own special appeal.
Coastal communities of today are well- planned to become accessible to trade and resources and, at the same time, conducive for everyone to catch the fresh sea breeze and enjoy a front-seat view of the sea.
“The kind of environment that they have, the kind of atmosphere they create, and the kind of ambiance they generate—all create that mystique of two elements of nature merging,” Excore Inc. president and chief executive officer Celedonio Pile Jr. told the BusinessMirror in an interview. “In a very romantic way, that makes the bay areas very significant and valuable pieces of property.”
While, locally, coastal developments have already started with several beach projects in leisure areas like Batangas, the trend toward Metro Manila waterside development is still new. And in this side of progressive and highly urbanized part of the country, seaside properties are fundamentally isolated to Roxas Boulevard, precisely because of its strategic setting that is accessible to many key locations—the airport, Makati and Manila central business districts, government agencies, schools, retail establishments and even religious sites, to name a few.
Given its ideal location, no wonder it is now the home to a reinvented Cultural Center of the Philippines, convention centers, shopping malls, al-fresco dining areas, as well as themed parks. And soon to form part of the Filipino bay lifestyle is a multimillion-peso project that will transform the coastline into a modern commercial and entertainment district called Bay City and the prime shoreline space devoted to residential communities.
“The blossoming of Roxas Boulevard side of development indeed presents a very different and unique Manila signature type of progress. That even brings a uniquely Manila experience for potential buyers of condos from abroad,” Pile said.
Leading this new Manila Bay lifestyle is Mandara Waterfront Residences, a low-density condominium subdivision project being developed by Landmark Communities Inc., a subsidiary of Excore Inc., on a 1.42-hectare property in Asiaworld City in Parañaque City. This seaside project that is fronting the Parañaque channel boasts of an exquisite view of the world-renowned Manila Bay sunset.
“While there are now condominiums near the sea or can view the sea, I don’t think none would have a backyard literally by the sea as ours,” noted Pile. “With them, there should be at least a kilometer walk needed.”
Mandara Waterfront Residences is well- planned to be accessible to all areas with a maximized view of the bay, and designed with good aesthetics and a unified architectural theme that enforces the Asian spirit.
With limited number of condominium units being offered, this waterside community project offers exclusivity to anyone who seeks to escape the congested environment of the city.
“Mandara is in the center of a very active area, yet it’s not too near the noise and frenzy of the outside world,” said Ma. Charina Garcia, Excore Inc. executive vice president and chief operating officer. “This is good for the unit owners to have enough exclusivity and isolation so as to enjoy peace and quiet.”
While Mandara could actually have built several towers and large establishments, it deliberately chose not to create a high-density development.
“That’s the good thing about Mandara. We chose to build 216 units only on a 1.42-hectare property that on the average could house 3,000 units. This is because we wanted to position it uniquely—that it is an exclusive private condo development with the correct exclusivity ambiance,” reiterated Pile. “In a sense, we actually set the limit ourselves as to what should be the development there. It’s absolutely controlling the density of the area so that we put in the right character of the location.”
A very prime and rare property by the shoreline, Mandara’s seaside development concept also gives it good value. Noting the law of supply and demand, Pile said that “before the value goes down, the premise is it’s the primest that really depreciates the least because of its limited inventory. Therefore, you still command a good price. That is the real essence of coastal living real estate. The rarity of inventory preserves the value. It’s better than mountainside developments; better than inner-city commercial locations.”
Of the 12 buildings consisting the project, Amara, being the premier type, offers the best and nearest view of the bay right at its three-story six buildings. Behind it is Bahia, with four buildings of four floors, while Radha stands tall yet modest, with dual 12-story structures.
Exuding sophistication, style and focus on detail that the minimalist Asian-contemporary theme is known for, Mandara Waterfront Residences is definitely a piece of paradise right here in the city. This will be evident in the stone and simple wood detailing laced throughout the building exteriors, landscapes and common areas of the project.
The motif is expanded to other facilities and amenities, including a clubhouse, themed pools and several parks and playgrounds. Enhancing the concept is the careful maximization of the view of the bay and, of course, the sunset.
Trees and landscaped gardens boost the sense of calm that is soothing to the mind, body and soul. And with enormous investments in an eco-friendly sewage-treatment plant and other waste-management systems, residents are also guaranteed to enjoy living in an unspoiled environment.
Conveniently located near the country’s seats of power, culture and commerce—the Philippine Senate, the Metropolitan Museum of Manila and the gargantuan Mall of Asia—Mandara is readily accessible while providing the leisure and space of living by the bay.
“Being along the coastal area within an urban area, Mandara doubles as an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday city living. It is indeed a community that nurtures a balanced life for the Filipino who deserves it,” Garcia said.
“And with Mandara as your little place of serenity, this serves as our maiden voyage into the high-end Metro Manila condo markets. This is our thrust to thrive toward coastal development, which currently is here and will continue to be the ‘in-thing’ in the next three to five years. That’s how I see the coastal-living trend to be,” concluded Pile.
MOST of the time, we travel to unfamiliar sights to gain new experiences or join a festivity. But we seldom travel for respite, recollection or retreat. Not too far away from Manila is a perfect place to find amusement, feast on wonderful sceneries while lulling the mind and spirit at the same time.
Resting at the foothills of Tagaytay ridge and facing Taal Lake, this 342-hectare dreamland being developed is the Las Haciendas Evergreen Communities. One of the prime projects of Phoenix Land Inc. (PLI), this haven in Laurel, Batangas signifies innovative real estate and development, and the way we define luxury and living well today.
Water
Waterfalls are hard to find these days. One must travel far just to get to one, or pay huge sums to even get close or, worse, just be contented looking at them on the Internet.
Waterfalls seem to grab the hearts and minds of people. Go to any location that has one or more waterfalls, and it is pretty much a guarantee it is a major attraction, if not the main attraction, of the area.
In the minds of the Haciendas’ developer, the water element connotes not only beauty but rest, peace and continuity. There are three natural—note, natural—waterfalls inside the Hacienda. One of them is Ambon-Ambon Falls.
“While the stress and drama of life in a big city and increasingly competitive world persist, it’s nice to know we have a means of getting away from it all. With Las Haciendas’ rich natural beauty, anyone who wants to get a break from the noise and hassle of urban living, trying the buhay probinsya once in a while, is refreshing,” PLI executive vice president Charina Garcia points out.
Las Haciendas does not only take pride in its waterfalls but also in the clean and flowing stream that creates a soothing sound as one walks inside the Haciendas.
“People are generally drawn to waterfalls, rivers, oceans or other bodies of water for various reasons. One, when we see a natural waterfall flowing, we get the sense that things feel ‘right’ and healthy. Two, perhaps it’s because water has a natural order in contrast to the ever-changing chaotic world we are used to every day,” Garcia adds.
Several bodies of water may be found inside the Haciendas, which is near the Taal Lake and a stone’s-throw away from the sea, streams—but it’s the waterfalls that make Las Haciendas a good tourist destination.
“The flow of water resembles a sense of order—it has a beginning and an end that journeys through a common path. Visit a natural waterfall and it’s easy to appreciate nature and want to protect it for future generations. In fact, waterfall moments can be so special that you’ll remember them for the rest of your life,” Garcia quips.
‘Buhay probinsya’ and outdoor activities
The Pugad Lawin Adventure Camp houses the best and the most challenging trails to conquer. The adventure camp is sure to attract the new breed of adventurers with its ever-challenging ropes courses.
Pugad Lawin is also a farm-land providing a venue for relationship-building and bonding, as corporations or groups can use this site to facilitate team-building, hold corporate outings, or just provide an adventure getaway for the whole family.
Beauty and wellness
One can have a good massage and relax in the spa while enjoying the sounds of flowing water, birds and other animals until one is lulled to sleep—only to wake up to the rustling of leaves from the trees.
Simbahang Bato
As its name connotes, the stone church located at the heart of the Haciendas offers not only a spiritual sanctuary for the soul, but also for the whole being.
In the midst of nature surrounded by God’s creation is very well the purest and most tranquil setting for recollection, meditations, yoga and just about everything for the wellness of both the mind and the soul. Las Haciendas is not only about fun and adventure but also a place for travelers who want to spend time praying or meditating.
“Again, as a consistent feature of Las Haciendas, the church is practically the cave itself and there have been little or no changes at all in the structure of the church. The Simbahang Bato is nothing short of a spectacle, God’s hand all around. Las Haciendas is very rich in natural beauty and Simbahang Bato is one thing that everyone will surely want to visit because serenity resides in this gift of nature,” Garcia adds.
Foodie hub
To complete everyone’s itinerary for a rewarding and fulfilling trip is a stop to a delightful restaurant that will suffice discriminating taste buds.
“You don’t have to go outside Las Haciendas if you want to enjoy delectable dishes. This is one thing that we want to be known for—Foodie Hub,” Garcia notes.
Las Haciendas last year held a nationwide contest for students to cook the best adobo. It was dubbed as the national search for best adobo. At least 35 culinary schools, colleges and universities joined the contest. Las Haciendas was able to gather more than a hundred adobo recipes prepared by students from all over the Philippines.
“Las Haciendas will be the home of best adobo in the country as we are in the process of getting all the best recipes of adobo of known and amateur cook in the country. Aside from that, we cater different dishes—Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, American and Korean,” Garcia says.