Jane is the PR and Marketing Manager of a multi-awarded sustainable developer and is also the current editor-in-chief of CDO's Breathing Space. She is a firm believer in a healthy work-life balance and likes to spend her downtime cooking, watching movies with her husband, reading, and creating artworks. She loves pets and has accumulated a lot of loyal and furry friends, has an unhealthy amount of high heels, and various unrelated interests.

Share the Love this Valentine’s Day at Primavera

 Share the Love

As the month of February rolls in each year, the air is thick with romance, and hearts are brimming with love as sweethearts anticipate the most romantic season of all. Filipinos, like people from many countries around the world, celebrate Valentine’s Day by expressing their love and appreciation for their loved ones, be it a spouse, fiancee, children, parents, best friends, among others.

‘Saint Valentinus’

Valentine’s Day originated as a liturgical celebration of one (or probably more) early Christian saints named Valentinus. Several hagiographical accounts chronicling the story behind the real St. Valentine have surfaced over the centuries, but one of the most popular is set on the court of Emperor Claudius II. According to this particular story, the emperor decided to outlaw marriage for young men because single men are decidedly better soldiers than those who have wives and children. Valentinus, an Italian priest from Rome, is said to have defied the emperor and continued to secretly perform marriage ceremonies to young lovers, angering Emperor Claudius II and landing the priest in prison.

Another story claims that while in prison, Valentine fell in love with the jailer’s daughter who would often come to visit him. On the day of his execution, he left her a note which he signed, Your Valentine, an expression which is still commonly used today.

Through several different chronicles about the saint called Valentine, there remains one common thread: the Italian saint named Valentine or Valentinus (his Roman name), is a heroic figure that will forever remain as a romantic legend.

Filipinos and Romance

Filipinos are known as an inherently romantic people. Since old times, Filipino men have been wooing their women with traditional courtship practices such as harana  (serenade), gifts, and even acts of service to the lady and her family. In current times, harana is no longer widely practised except in rural areas, but that doesn’t mean the romance has faded. Flowers, balloons, stuffed toys, cakes, chocolates, and all kinds of gifts are being showered by lovers to each other come Valentine’s Day.

In Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines, Primavera Residences will be making Valentine’s Day even more special by treating employees, clients, and visitors to free roses that they can, in turn, give to their loved ones. Primavera Residences, the flagship project of Italpinas Euroasian Design and Eco-development Corporation, is a product of an Italian-Filipino joint venture; a perfect intermingling of Italian and Filipino culture and values. Its CEO and Executive Chairman is a renowned Italian architect with the second name “Valentino” who was born on Valentine’s Day!

To spread love, romance, and joy this Valentine’s Day, guests may claim their free roses at the Primavera Sales Office located at 2/F Primavera Residences Tower 1 on February 14, 2015 from 9am to 6pm, and will automatically be qualified to join the #PrimaveraValentineRoses promo.

Valentine Roses Draft

Everyone who receives their free roses are enjoined to (1) give it to their loved ones, (2) snap a photo of the exact moment the rose was given, and (3) email the picture to janice@italpinas.com. The best photo will be selected and will win an overnight stay at Primavera Residences.

Sharing love and expressing how much your loved ones mean to you is something that should happen everyday, and not just on Valentine’s Day. But you can make Valentine’s Day even more special by simple gifts and flowers that are sure to brighten their day. The romantic folks at Primavera will be happy to help you spread the love!

For more information about Primavera Residences, visit primaveraresidences.com.

Got Books to Share? Join the Cagayan de Oro Rugby Club Book Drive!

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The start of the year is definitely a great time to de-clutter your home and rid your house of things you no longer need. Among the things that take up a lot of space are old books, and just like most families, you probably have piles and shelves of books that you or your family no longer need. Instead of letting your books gather dust and cramp up your living area, why not donate these to a book drive?

This January to February 2015, CdO’s very own rugby team is gathering educational books for a book donation drive that would benefit schools in remote areas of Papua New Guinea. They will accept encyclopedias, text books, and any other educational materials. As a support to this worthwhile and eco-friendly cause, those who wish to donate may drop off your donations at the Primavera Sales Office at 2/F Primavera Residences, Pueblo de Oro Business Park, Cagayan de Oro City from 9am to 6pm Mondays to Saturdays.

Spread the joy of learning to school children in Papua New Guinea! For more information, visit the Primavera Facebook page HERE or the CDO Rugby Club Official FB page.

 

Want to know more about Cagayan de Oro’s first eco-friendly property? Visit www.primaveraresidences.com.

5 New Year’s Resolutions for your Home

New Year is a time to make resolutions for the upcoming 12 months, not only for yourself, but for your home. As 2015 has now started, now is the time to ask what property goals you would like to accomplish in 2015.

Global real estate marketplace Lamudi has compiled a list of five simple suggestions for revamping your home for the New Year.

  1. Go Green

 

To go green, you do not have to spend a lot of money installing solar panels; simply make a few changes. By unplugging appliances and turning off lights when they are not in use, you can save both energy and money. If you want to take it one step further, switch to energy-saving light bulbs or LEDs and reduce usage of your washing machine and dishwasher by ensuring they are full before pressing “start.” For more tips on how to go green, follow the Official Facebook Page of Primavera Residences and get updated regularly with eco-friendly tips.

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  1. De-clutter

Start the year by deciding what you really need in your house, and what you can leave in 2014. Once you have given away unnecessary items to charity, you can begin to clear the clutter. Houses, apartments, and condos all have an abundance of storage possibilities; whether it be installing high shelves, or under-bed boxes, secret compartments within your sofa or hiding places beneath the stairs, be creative with your space.

  1. Embrace Technology

Make 2015 the year of the hi-tech home by embracing the vast number of smart products on offer. Whether it be a connected fridge that you can text to check on food supplies, or a television that you can program from the other side of the world, treat yourself to a new appliance as they become increasing innovative, yet affordable.

  1. Learn a New Skill

Learn a New Skill (Shutterstock)

Whether it is how to reupholster your sofa or make your own curtains, learn something new next year. Either sign yourself up for a local course or search online for a tutorial and let 2015 be the year that you develop your DIY skills. Basic skills in plumbing and maintenance, such as unclogging a drain or re-plastering a wall can save you a lot of time and money in the long run.

  1. Refresh and Recycle

A new year is a time to make changes, so why not repaint a room in your house? Perhaps there is a more daring color for your front door that you have been considering or a new refrigerator that you have been eyeing up—2015 is the year to make that change. Furthermore, why not recycle old items to freshen up your home; use empty bottles or old light bulbs to create a chic new light fitting or an old bathtub to brighten up your garden. Check out Upcycle That for more tips and inspiration.

Launched in 2013, Lamudi is a global property portal focusing exclusively on emerging markets. The fast-growing platform is currently available in 28 countries in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America, with more than 750,000 real estate listings across its global network. The leading real estate marketplace offers sellers, buyers, landlords and renters a secure and easy-to-use platform to find or list properties online. View the listings of units for rent and for sale from Italpinas by visiting this link.

(article source: Lamudi PR)

For more details about Primavera Residences, the multi-awarded eco-friendly property in Cagayan de Oro, visit www.primaveraresidences.com.

Buon Anno Nuovo from Italpinas!

 

Wishing you a 2015 full of abundance, prosperity and good cheer! May the new year take you to new heights and bless you with success and happiness.

Buon Anno Nuovo from your Italpinas family.

 

 

 

PASKORELA: Cagayan de Oro’s One-of-a-kind Christmas Celebration

For Filipinos, Christmas is the happiest time of the year. Different kinds of celebrations take place across the country, ranging from the traditional to the new. This includes endless Christmas bazaars, parol festivals, Christmas tree contests, and various other creative concepts. This year, however, Cagayan de Oro City, the country’s 2nd most competitive city this 2014, amps up the Christmas festivities with the first ever PASKORELA event.

The motorela is Cagayan de Oro’s own version of the Filipino tricycle. Much like the jeepney, another filipino invention, motorela is quite a common sight in the city streets of CdO and is a regular mode of transportation for Kagay-anon commuters.

As part of the this year’s Christmas celebration, CdO stages the first ever PASKORELA Dress-up Your Motorela contest last December 20, 2014. The contest was initiated by the Pasko de Oro committee in partnership with the CDO Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office and the City Tourism Council.

Here are some event photos courtesy of the Cagayan de Oro City Info Network Facebook page. All photos are taken by Mr. Abel Matthew Silawan with Ms. Hershey Pabillore of Lourdes College.

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PASKORELA 2

PASKORELA 3

PASKORELA 5

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Need a place to stay while visiting Cagayan de Oro for the holidays? Primavera Residences offers units for sale and for rent in the city’s best location, overlooking the bustling downtown area and the breathtaking Macajalar Bay.  For more information, visit www.primaveraresidences.com.

 

 

 

 

5 Ways Young Filipinos Will Shape the Real Estate Industry

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For many years, Filipino millennials—individuals aged between 20 and 34 years—have been under the radar of many brands and marketers. They are even considered a hard sell—well informed yet seen as having little spending power. They have been labeled tech-savvy yet narcissistic, liberal yet lazy, and many are even seen as perpetually holed up in their parents’ homes, saving on rent and unwilling to move out.

However, the days when millennials are perceived as such are quickly coming to an end. Recent research is showing that millennials will soon comprise a demographic that will shape the Philippines’ economic future, and that of its real estate industry.

With this new interest for millennial home-buyers, leading property platform Lamudi Philippines lists five ways millennials will shape the Philippines’ real estate sector and how the industry can effectively tap into them.

 

  1. Their Number and Spending Power is Growing

Data from the National Statistics Office (NSO) show that Filipino millennials now number approximately 27 million, more than a quarter of the country’s total population and more than 50 percent of its workers, making them a key demographic with a potentially high spending power.

In fact, having a sizable disposable income places millennials in a good position to purchase the latest gadgets. Global marketing firm Publicis Manila dubbed this spending behavior “I want ergo I need.”

Despite their limited employment experience and training, Filipino millennial employees tend to be favored over their older counterparts because of their lower demands and flexible working habits, according to Publicis. This increases the sheer number of employed young people in the Philippines.

 

  1. They are Tech-Savvy

Filipino millennials also now comprise more than 70 percent of Internet users in the Philippines, according to estimates from comScore. Their income also allows them to subscribe to the best Internet connections, making them the prime customers of e-commerce sites that peddle everything from shoes and airline tickets to housing loans and insurance.

 

  1. People in This Age Bracket are Now Getting Married

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Although the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) has noted that the number of Filipino couples getting married declined by 1.5 percent between 2001 and 2010, a great number of marriages still take place in the Philippines—476,408 registered in 2011. The average ages of brides and grooms are also increasing: 26.1 and 29.1, respectively, in 2010.

But a more intriguing statistic is how Filipino couples are opting to tie the knot. According to the NSCB, almost 44 percent of couples are choosing civil wedding rites compared to 35 percent who are opting church weddings. The latter is almost always costly, which suggests that young Filipinos’ spending patterns and priorities are shifting.

 

  1. Filipino Millennials are not Burdened by Student Debt

Although average income in the Philippines is lower compared to the developed world, recent college graduates entering the workforce are not burdened by student-loan debts. This is thanks to Filipino parents’ strong emphasis on the value of education. While the Philippine government does not provide free tertiary education (save for a few state universities), parents fully shoulder their children’s college education. This allows Filipino millennials to start working virtually debt-free, increasing their spending power and savings rate.

 

  1. Filipino Millennials are Happy

Perhaps the most important trait of Filipino millennials is their positive outlook. A 2013 study conducted by media giant Viacom places Filipino millennials’ happiness level at 83 percent, the highest in all countries surveyed. They also tend to always look at the bright side—although half of them see job security as a challenge, almost 80 percent of them would take a minimum-wage job rather than not to have any job at all.

 

In order to cope, Filipino millennials thrive on interpersonal contact with family and friends as a driving force to their stress-free lives, according to the study.

Article source: Lamudi PR

All photos courtesy of XU MRKMN 61 students

Lamudi is the Philippines’ fastest-growing online property portal and is currently available in 28 countries in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America, with more than 500,000 real estate listings across its global network. Primavera Residences, the first multi-awarded eco-friendly property in Cagayan de Oro, is one of the properties presently listed in Lamudi.

To know more about Primavera Residences, visit www.primaveraresidences.com or visit the listings on Lamudi.com.ph here.

Lamudi Shares 4 Reasons Why You Should Teach Your Kids About Real Estate

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They may not be buying their first home anytime soon, but teaching kids about the value of real estate can help secure their future. 

Financial advisors always say: “It’s not how much you save, but what’s important is you start saving early.”

The same goes with teaching Filipino kids about real estate: the earlier, the better. All parents want their children to succeed in life. One way to do this is to teach them to appreciate the importance of real estate. Although owning a house may not be the most crucial ingredient for being successful, it will sure help them achieve financial independence, not to mention it will provide security for their future family.

Teaching them early about real estate also allows them to understand the hard work, challenges, and compromises involved in finally affording to own a home, but most importantly the perks that come with it. So when the time comes when your kids have to spread their proverbial wings and fly out of the family nest, they will be ready.

To guide Filipino parents, Lamudi Philippines compiles a list of reasons why it is important to educate our kids about real estate.

 

  1. They Learn the Value of Hard Work

 

Growing up in a household with baby boomers as parents who place home-ownership in high esteem, many of us learned that owning a home is not as easy as it seems, but that it is very achievable if we work hard for it. Many of my peers casually jump from one job to another—or worse, resign from their jobs just because they feel like doing it—and this has huge implications on their financial standing. Many of them take years to finally sort out their finances to get approved for a housing loan, which could have been avoided easily if they understood the importance of job stability very early on.

 

  1. They Learn How to Negotiate

 

If one is buying real estate, he or she can seek the advice of a licensed broker or even a lawyer get good insight into fair and reasonable price. But then it will be up to the buyer to negotiate the price with the seller. Oddly, many people are not comfortable with the idea of negotiating; however, if we do not negotiate, we stand to lose a lot of our hard-earned cash. But teaching kids about real estate, you also teach them the importance of negotiating. It helps them gain confidence to walk away if a deal simply is not favorable. This will help them a great deal in life as well, as negotiating is part and parcel of our dealings every day (salary, for instance).

 

  1. They Learn the Importance of Good Credit Standing

 

I am sure many of us saw our friends and relatives wallow to the burden of credit card debts, and how many of them were unable to get a mortgage due to dismal credit standing. This prevented many from owning homes. If children are taught real estate at an early age, they will understand how compromises will have to be made in order to remain financially stable, which is the first step up the property ladder.

 

  1. They Learn to Plan for the Future

 

If parents teach their kids the importance of real estate, we are teaching them the importance of planning for the future. Although parental instinct pulls most parents to assist their children in any way possible to move up the property ladder, this only teaches them to be overly reliant. What parents can do is nurture their independence and teach them the value of hard-earned money.

 

Preparing kids with the necessary tools to help them find the road toward financial independence and home-ownership is one of the most valuable lessons any Filipino parent can give. This will in fact be more valuable than cash gifts or financial support, as it will enable them to manage their own finances and stand on their own feet well into the future.

Lamudi is the Philippines’ fastest-growing online property portal and is currently available in 28 countries in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America, with more than 500,000 real estate listings across its global network. Primavera Residences, the first multi-awarded eco-friendly property in Cagayan de Oro, is one of the properties presently listed in Lamudi.

(Article source: Lamudi PR)

To know more about Primavera Residences, visit www.primaveraresidences.com or visit the listings on Lamudi.com.ph here.

Top 5 Tips for Emerging Markets Property Investors

Leading real estate marketplace compiles guide to investing in emerging countries

Primavera Residences (1)

 

The world population is growing at a rapid pace, adding about 150,000 people each day. By 2050 there will be a world population of approximately nine billion people. The largest share of the fast-growing world population is coming from emerging markets in: Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.

At the same time, these regions are driving global economic growth. The International Monetary Fund has forecast that over the coming years, around 70 percent of world growth will come from developing countries. With this trend comes a range of opportunities for emerging market investors, as sectors such as construction and housing see rapid expansion.

As interest in these regions grows, leading property platform Lamudi lists five tips for real estate investors looking to enter these markets.

  1. Familiarize Yourself with Local Laws and Restrictions

Before investing in emerging real estate markets, investors should gather accurate information about the laws and restrictions that are specific to the country. Foreign investors face restrictions on buying property in some emerging countries. In the Philippines, for example, international buyers are prohibited from owning land but they can purchase condominium units, so long as foreign ownership in a single project does not exceed 40 percent. Make sure you check official government information and get in touch with local lawyers, as well as regularly reading the news to stay up to date on any developments.

  1. Take a Long-term View

Take the time to watch the real estate market and closely examine the long-term outlook before investing. Within regions that are subject to volatility, it is especially important not to rush into a final decision. Instead, try to take a long-term view of the market outlook. Property investments are always long-term decisions that must be well informed, but this is particularly true in emerging markets that are highly perceptible to change. The best way to be prepared is to use independent, verifiable sources that offer local and national information.

  1. Find Local Partners

Finding a suitable lawyer, translator, or certified local real estate broker who can be your contact on the ground is necessary in order to navigate the local market. Choose people who are experts in their field and have the local knowledge you need to be successful in the market. This will save you time and money in the long run.

  1. Build a Diverse Portfolio

There are constant price fluctuations in property markets around the world, but emerging markets can be particularly volatile. Therefore investors need to be flexible and able to quickly adapt to the changes. Investing in a diverse range of property in different regions and also different countries can help balance against these fluctuations in the market. Adaptability is the key to long-term success.

  1. Be Understanding of Cultural Differences

This applies to anyone looking to do business in a country other than their own. If you are planning to visit the country in which you are looking to invest, research local cultural practices and customs before your arrival. Something as small as how to introduce yourself in a business meeting can vary widely from country to country. In Myanmar, for example, where business etiquette is informed by the prevalence of Buddhism, traditions such as removing your shoes before entering a private home are still commonplace. Being aware of these differences from the beginning will help you to avoid any issues of miscommunication.

Lamudi is the Philippines’ fastest-growing online property portal and is currently available in 28 countries in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America, with more than 500,000 real estate listings across its global network. Primavera Residences, the first multi-awarded eco-friendly property in Cagayan de Oro, is one of the properties presently listed in Lamudi.

(Article source: Lamudi PR)

To know more about Primavera Residences, visit www.primaveraresidences.com or visit the listings on Lamudi.com.ph here.

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Tower 2 Construction Updates as of November 2014

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As of November 5, 2014, Primavera Residences Tower 2 continues its steady rise. Currently, the second tower of the country’s premier eco-friendly building is already approaching 77% completion.

Ongoing plastering works are being done in the interior of the 3rd to 5th floors while masonry works are now being accomplished at the 6th to 9th floors.

See below some of the latest construction photos.

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8th floor interior works
9th floor
9th floor masonry works
exterior roof
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Completion of the second building is targeted at the first quarter of 2015.

For more details about Primavera Residences, visit www.primaveraresidences.com or call (+63) 088-880-5002. 

 

A Round Up of October News and Events at Primavera

As we approach the final months of 2014, Primavera Residences is proud to offer more good news, promos, events and opportunities not only for Kagay-anons, but for Filipinos and investors all over the world. The month of October is an especially busy month with exciting events and offers that spans Northern Mindanao and the Philippines, Singapore, and even Rome, Italy.

Here is a look at the news and events last October.

1. Primavera Residences architect joins World Architecture Festival

Italpinas’ Architect and CEO Romolo V. Nati represented the Philippines in this year’s World Architecture Festival, a prestigious annual event celebrating the architectural marvels in the world. The three-day event is also a global competition that seeks to honor the best in building design. It happened last October 1 – 3 in Singapore, with Arch. Nati giving a talk on Resilient Developments for Vulnerable Environments focusing on the Philippines during the second day of the event.

Arch. Nati was also elected as one of the judges for the shortlisted entries under the House category. Joining him at the festival is ITPI President Atty. Jojo Leviste.

In his talk, Nati stressed the importance of high-performance design in buildings in order for it to be sustainable and at the same time reduce the impact on the environment.

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The event was well-covered by the media with stories appearing in the following publications and online news sites:

2. Primavera joins mangrove-planting activity in Bonbon, Cagayan de Oro

Last October 11, the Primavera Residences team joined the mangrove planting activity conducted by Philippine Air Force TOG 10 and students from the Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive High School (MOGCHS). As the first eco-friendly building in Cagayan de Oro, Primavera Residences advocates environmental protection and conservation, and is therefore, honored and happy to support the activity.

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The activity was featured in local news such as the article below from BusinessWeek Mindanao.

mangrove1Other news features:

3. OCTOBER FEVER promo

As a treat to condo buyers, Primavera offered up to Php 100,000 worth of freebies. In a regular package, buyers get unfurnished units with inclusions of tile floorings, painted walls and ceilings, fitted kitchen sinks, bathroom fixtures, electrical wirings and outlets; however, the October Fever promo gives buyers a chance to earn savings of up to P100k with a FREE set of Kitchen Modular Cabinet and its installation.

Watch out for more exciting promos to be unveiled this month!

The October promo was also featured in several news sites and publications including the following:

4. Halloween events

With the city gearing up for its annual Halloween celebrations, Primavera Residences also lined up different Halloween-themed activities including an online pet costume contest in partnership with the city’s premier pet store, PetPerk Grooming Services, a carnival-themed pre-Halloween open house, and a costume party for the entire Primavera Sales Office team.

Below are some photos and media mentions of these activities.

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Bradd the Witch emerged as this year’s winner of the #HOWLoweenPAWty photo contest

More of the story here and in media mentions below.

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Pre-Halloween Carnival Open house event

5. Primavera Residences goes to Camiguin

On October 22 – 23, the Sales and Marketing team of Primavera Residences together with Caminade realty visited the island of Camiguin for a series of activities. Read more about the beautiful island of Camiguin here.

The activity was also featured in the following news sites and papers.

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6.  Primavera’s Arch. Nati joins Rome business event, promotes PH and CDO investments

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Italpinas’ multi-awarded architect and CEO, Romolo V. Nati, attended a business event in Rome last October 18, 2014 with the theme “Business Meeting to stimulate and strengthen the cultural and trade exchange between Italy and the Philippines”.

The meeting at Luigi Pigorini Museum, Piazza G. Marconi 14 in Rome was sponsored by the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Rome, headed by Ambassador S. E. Virgil A. Reyes Jr. and organized by Mrs. Marie Luarca-Reyes of ENFiD.org, Michele Piacentini of LESARTISTES.it with the coordination of the Study Legal Cardia.

This story also appeared in the following news:

7. Primavera Residences hosts City Tourism Council meeting

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Last October 24, the Cagayan de Oro City Tourism Council visited Primavera Residences and were introduced to the developer and given a tour of the property.  Present during the event were Ms. Eileen San Juan of the City Investment Promotions Office and City Tourism personnel among other special guests.

Other events at Primavera Residences last October include the Google Educators Group’s Teacher Appreciation Day last October 25 and the Primavera Sales team’s 1920’s themed Halloween celebration last October 31.

Follow Primavera Residences in Facebook or visit www.primaveraresidences.com to stay posted with news and events from the country’s premier eco-friendly property.