Stefan is a graduate of Development Communication with emphasis in Journalism at Xavier University. From being a frustrated writer, he overcame being one and motivated himself to be an inspiration to others by writing noteworthy articles in a local magazine and newspaper. Also a theater actor, Stefan loves art and his creativity moves him to be the best of what he's capable of.

Italpinas soars anew: World Bank’s IFC awards Primavera Residences with its 1st EDGE completed condominium project in East Asia

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IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, the innovator of EDGE (“Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies”), has awarded its green building certification to CDO’s twin-tower Primavera Residences, a mixed-use mid-rise condominium development in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines. The twin-tower building is the flagship development of Italpinas Development Corporation (IDC) in its thrust to build quality and sustainable homes to emerging market cities in the Philippines.

Dubbed to be the first completed condominium project in East Asia, Primavera Residences and IDC take pride in having reached EDGE’s qualifications to be certified.

“This is a proof that IDC delivers its commitments of being a genuine sustainable real estate developer. We maintain our propositions and we are proud to see Primavera Residences be recognized as a green building by an international rating agency which is part of IFC of The World Bank,” Arch. Romolo Nati, IDC Chairman and COO, said.

IFC’s EDGE (“Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies”) is a new green building certification system created for emerging markets. It provides clients with technical solutions for going green and captures capital costs and projected operational savings, in order to prove the business case for building green. While the drivers behind EDGE are financial, the results are environmental – EDGE helps mitigate climate change by encouraging resource-efficient development.

To qualify for EDGE certification, companies must utilize the EDGE software to prove their building design will reduce energy, water, and embodied energy in building materials by at least 20 percent compared to a conventional building.

“Now that our building has been certified green by the World Bank’s IFC, our units also increased its value in terms of being genuinely eco-friendly with its green features. IDC, once again, has proven to be able to deliver profit not only to shareholders but also to the most important stakeholders—our valued residents,” Nati concluded.

One distinct feature of Primavera Residences’ facade is the set of cantilevers that surround the building. Apart from making the building look unique and modern, these ledges serve to create a shadow from within, thus keeping direct sunlight from getting through the windows and reducing the heat in the unit. This is best experienced especially in the balcony of a two-bedroom unit.

The green inner courtyard within the building is also designed to increase natural ventilation, keeping the air across the units cool while pushing warm air out through the roof. Photovoltaic solar panels are also installed on the rooftop to produce the building’s own energy and power its common areas.

To know more about the first EDGE-certified condominium project in East Asia—Primavera Residences, you may visit their website at www.primaveraresidences.com or call them at (088) 880-5002 or (+63) 917 794 2221.

Nature-inspired project visits Camiguin, brings in investment opportunities

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“Camiguin Island is just few hours away from Cagayan de Oro and it’s a perfect location for Pirmavera to create a healthy business relationship between CdO and Camiguin. We want to create partnerships with the active business sectors in the island since Primavera Residences is a good earning investment,” Ryan Fajardo, Internal Sales Head of Primavera Residences, said.

Last 19-22 October, Primavera Residences Sales and Marketing team experienced Camiguin’s remarkable sunsets, astonishing bays, and its spectacular mountains, just in time for the province’s 36th Lanzones Festival.

“Camiguin is known for its rich natural resources. Nature preservation has always been its top priority in promoting their island. The province of Camiguin and Primavera Residences have the same advocacy that we actively promote as we build nature-inspired developments,” Cesar Stefan Rago, Public Relations and Marketing Officer of Primavera Residences, declared.

Camiguin is a tourist’s haven. Unspoilt beaches, powdery white sand, hot springs, majestic falls – name it. For the adventurous, there are also volcanoes to climb and jungles to trek, and for the foodies, mouth-watering authentic Italian cuisine and fresh bounties from the sea are waiting to satisfy the next visitor.

Camiguin is especially wonderful to visit at this time of the year due to its annual Lanzones Festival. With a series of attractions lined up for the whole festival season, visitors are set to be amazed and fall deeper in love with the island.

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Bringing investment opportunities to the island 

Primavera Residences, a multi-awarded mixed-use development in Cagayan de Oro, visited the island of Camiguin last October 19 – 22 with the event highlight held at Villa Paraiso Resort at Mamabajao, Camiguin to conduct series of events aimed at introducing the condominium property to Camiguinons.

The event highlighted points to prospective investors from Camiguin as Primavera is considered a very safe investment, offers good returns in a growing alternative market, located in CdO which is as an emerging economy in the Philippines, and a rising travel and tourism destination in Northern Mindanao.

The investment yields approximately 8% ROI per annum, thereby contributing to a very attractive opportunity for property investors.

Planning to visit Northern Mindanao soon? Primavera Residences offers condo units available for short-term and long-term rent or for purchase. You can also talk to us and we’ll love to share with you the amazing spots you can visit in the region – the lovely Camiguin Island among those in the list

Know more about Primavera Residences by following its official Facebook account at www.facebook.com/condoprimavera or visit www.primaveraresidences.com.

‘Italpinas Best Deal Ever’ unveils this October

Do you want to invest in a multi-awarded condominium development in Cagayan de Oro at the most reasonable deals? This month, Italpinas’ flagship development, Primavera Residences, offers a high-end kitchen modular system from October 1-31, 2015!

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, this month of October, buyers are offered a FREE Kitchen Modular System!

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“At Primavera, we always make sure to please our clients not only with world-class units and facilities but also with our promo offerings; that aside from the already affordable rates, we strive to make it even more reasonable. Indeed, today is the best chance to invest in Mindanao’s first and only multi-awarded eco-friendly building,” Gladys Magadan-Echano, Sales Director, expressed.

Primavera Residences is known for its energy-saving features that include cantilevers to protect the units from direct sunlight, and an indoor courtyard that maximizes the natural ventilation in the area. Just recently, solar panels that provide additional energy for the building’s common areas are already installed on the building’s rooftop. The building is also designed to withstand earthquakes and extreme weather and boasts of 24-7 security.

“We are not just giving them discounts but we give them the real thing. We want to add more value to our investors’ purchase; that it will not just be profitable, but they will also help the environment by purchasing from a development that is eco-friendly,” Echano stated.

Primavera Residences, the first development of Italpinas Development Corporation (IDC), is a 10-storey, two-tower building located at Pueblo de Oro Township offering residential, commercial and office spaces for lease and purchase. All units in the first tower are ready for occupancy while the second tower is slated to be completed this year. Buyers may choose from studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units.

Hurry! We only have few units left!

Do you want to know more about Primavera Residences? You may reach them at 0917 794 2221 or (088) 880-5002. You can also visit their website at www.primaveraresidences.com.

Italpinas joins PAFTOG 10-led Tree Planting Activity in Indahag

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Italpinas Development Corporation’s (IDC) premier green property in Northern Mindanao, Primavera Residences, has recently partnered with the Philippine Air Force Tactical Operations Group 10 (PAF-TOG 10) in their aim to conserve the environment through a tree planting activity in Sitio Calacapan, Brgy. Indahag last 26 September 2015.

“As leaders to sustainable developments, it is our promise to the people that we continue to build and rebuild communities through being frontrunners and supporters to the city’s environment advocacies. Through these activities, we can bring people together in attaining our goals in ensuring environmental sustainability,” Cesar Stefan Rago, IDC’s Public Relations and Marketing Officer, declared.

Supported by different schools, colleges, universities, government and private offices, PAF-TOG 10 has successfully planted 1000 assorted seedlings as reinforcement to the National Greening Program of the government to increase the awareness of the civilian populace in sustaining the environment through activities like this.

“It is our delight to continue conducting tree planting activities to showcase/highlight PAF’s continuous support to the different programs of other agencies to help preserve the environment which, in a way, supports the AFP Internal Peace and Security Plan’s (IPSP) ‘Bayanihan’,” Lt. Col. Leo A Fontanilla, PAF (GSC) Group Commander, said.

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Italpinas Development Corporation has been in the forefront of sustainable developments and passive green architecture. IDC has won numerous local and international awards for its high-performance design—featuring the best principles of passive cooling technology: shadow and sunlight control, wind cooling and shape performance. Its flagship development, Primavera Residences in Cagayan de Oro, has been cited as one of Asia’s top 10 clean energy projects because of its capacity to help residents save as much as 32% on overall energy consumption.

Built in 2012, the multi-awarded building is located in a master-planned community in uptown Cagayan de Oro. It has been effectively on the lead in promoting green advocacies in the city.

 

 

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IDC Chairman speaks at the APHF 5 satellite event in Manila

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During the recently conducted Asia Pacific Housing Forum 5 satellite event in Manila last 3-4 September, IDC Chairman and COO Architect Romolo Nati talked about “Experiences in Green Buildings” under this year’s APHF theme ‘Building Impact’ following four tracks—Building Leadership, Impacting Communities, Building Markets, and Impacting Society.

The Asia-Pacific Housing Forum is a biennial conference organized by Habitat for Humanity. This year, the Housing Forum’s fifth iteration, the main event was from 1-4 September in Hong Kong while the Philippines held its satellite event on 3-4 September. The forum brought together housing developers engaged in seeking solutions to low-income housing issues that make business and economic sense. It aimed to educate and advocate decent housing as a pivotal tool in eradicating the poverty cycle.

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IDC Chairman Arch. Romolo Nati with Arlene Ramirez, Habitat Philippines Marketing Officer at the APHF 5 satellite event in Manila.

Experiences in Green Buildings

Representing IDC is Arch. Romolo Nati, the chairman and COO of CDO’s premier sustainable condo development, Primavera Residences, who has been invited to the forum as a breakout session speaker. During his talk, he mentioned how nature is the solution to our current issues on the environment.

“There are patterns which can be found behind natural living structures. These processes, when studied and thoroughly examined, can be translated into architectural designs and sustainable solutions. This is known as biomimicry and it has long been in existence, but has simply been overloIoked amid all the new ways of doing things. Making nature as the basis of designing sustainable homes allows IDC to lower energy and resources consumption thereby reducing costs on electricity and water, among others,” Nati said.

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IDC believes that nature holds the answer to sustainable design. Taking a cue from Mother Nature herself, the company strives to develop self-sustaining, flood-free, and earthquake-resistant structures which are inspired by the beauty and functionality of nature. These green structures fuse human technology with the best that nature has to offer.

IDC partners with HFHP Pagatpat Housing Project

Last May 2013, Italpinas Development Corporation sealed a partnership with Habitat for Humanity Philippines (HFHP) in support of both organizations’ mission to bring people together to build homes, communities and hope.

“Our advocacies complement each other’s vision and mission of providing eco-friendly, sustainable and affordable houses,” Arch. Nati said.

With the signed MOA with HFHP, IDC supported Habitat’s “I Build” Campaign through a donation which funded a specific portion of Habitat’s socialized housing project in Pagatpat, Cagayan de Oro.

Focus Fixed on CDO as Primavera Goes Public

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Italpinas Development Corporation (IDC), the company behind Cagayan de Oro real estate project Primavera is set for an initial public offering (IPO) in the coming weeks.

The IPO is ground-breaking in many ways. To begin with, IDC has staked its future on a road not often taken, embarking on its flagship venture Primavera in Cagayan de Oro and following it up by announcing an even more ambitious multi-function development around it, Primavera City.  The company is also favoring a focus on sustainable design – again, a not too common tack among local real estate developers. In what must be a first in the industry, IDC is unmistakably mestizo, rooted in a partnership between Italian architect and designer Romolo Valentino Nati, and Filipino-born, Sydney-educated lawyer Jojo Leviste.

 

With the foundations of its future fixed firmly on the City of Golden Friendship, the IDC IPO will likely be viewed as a barometer of investor confidence in Mindanao, in general; and in Cagayan de Oro, in particular.

Of course, it will also be seen as a vote on IDC’s seemingly counter-intuitive and potentially disruptive business model: target the up-and-coming cities, instead of the already established ones; and offer them elegant yet accessible eco-friendly buildings in safe locations.

To Nati and Leviste though, just getting to the IPO stage is already a victory in itself.

Nati reveals that before Primavera even broke ground, many were discouraging them from doing their debut development in Cagayan de Oro, questioning the location, the market and its readiness.

But Leviste happily points out that the doubters have since been proven wrong. Units at the first condo tower in Primavera were snapped up predominantly by local residents and by overseas Kagay-anons, putting to rest the notion that the market was not ready for condo living and high-rises.

The company’s emphasis on design has also reaped rewards, including Best Mixed-Use Development in the Philippines at last year’s International Property Awards in Kuala Lumpur, Highly Commended Condo Development from the Southeast Asia Property Awards in Singapore, and a Special Energy Award at the Design Against the Elements Competition in Quezon City.

Going public will mean many things to the different stakeholders in the future of IDC. For the company, the fresh funding will fuel the development of Primavera City, which it forecasts will fast-track the arrival of locators to the Uptown business district. For Cagayan de Oro, the spotlight on IDC will showcase how the city is both investor-friendly and investment-worthy. For the whole of Mindanao, the listing can only bolster confidence in much-anticipated growth led by its Northern gateway.

The investor vote on the trail blazed by IDC is crucial. A yes will ensure not only the development of what will likely be a new landmark for Cagayan de Oro, but the construction of what could be a catalyst to bring in long-awaited locators. A yes will also be a validation of IDC’s deeply-held belief that the future of the Philippines – perhaps even of the rest of ASEAN – lies in designing emerging cities, to make a difference.

Primavera Developer sets P242-million IPO in 4th qtr

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Italpinas Development Corporation (IDC), the Italian-Filipino green property developer of Primavera Residences, sets its planned listing of P242-million initial public offering (IPO) on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) on the last quarter of 2015.

Recently, IDC filed on August 28 an amended prospectus with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The company plans to raise P242 million from the offering of 57.622 million primary common shares to the public, priced at a maximum of P4.20 per share.

The number of shares to be sold, according to the prospectus, is equivalent to 26% of the company’s outstanding capital stock and 74% is under the names of the current shareholders.

Its major shareholders include Jose Leviste, Jr. (49.67%), Italian architect Romolo Nati (40%) and Jose Leviste III (4.76%).

IPO proceeds will finance Italpinas Development Corporation’s upcoming mixed-use sustainable development in Cagayan de Oro, Primavera City. After Primavera Residences, a new elegant high-rise and eco-friendly building in Cagayan de Oro offers the distinctive quality of living in an Italian-designed building with metropolitan standard development. Primavera City aims to be the landmark in sustainable developments as the combination of natural ventilation, solar energy, external louvers, water recycling, rain harvesting, and other green features exudes the exteriors and interiors of the property.

IDC will have a market capitalization of P930.8 million post-IPO from the current P480.68 million. Unicapital Inc. is appointed as the issue manager and sole underwriter of the transaction.

The expected net proceeds of P220.8 million after listing related expenses and taxes will supply the capital expenditures (capex) for new projects (P120.68 million); land banking acquisition (P47 million); retirement of existing loans (P20 million); and general working capital (P33.12 million). Proceeds of the IPO will be used in the fourth quarter of the year up to 2016.

Primavera Residences EDGE Certification

Recently, Autif Sayyed, Regional Green Building Specialist for the East Asia Pacific Region at International Finance Corporation (IFC), visited Primavera Residences to complete the stages of the building’s EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) certification as he recognized the building’s outstanding initiation and implementation of the green features.

EDGE is a new building resource efficiency system created for emerging markets, providing clients with technical solutions for going green and captures capital costs and projected operational savings.

World Green Building Council visits Oro Sustainable Development

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Photo from: http://www.vebidoo.com/

Last August 26, 2015, Mr. Autif Sayyed, a Green Building Specialist of World Green Building Council, visited Primavera Residences to meet with Engr. Aldwin Nilles and Ms. Melissa San Jose, general manager of Primavera Residences.

Mr. Sayyed visited the green building to complete the stages of Primavera Residences’ EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) certification. EDGE is a new building resource efficiency system created for emerging markets, providing clients with technical solutions for going green and captures capital costs and projected operational savings.

Autif Sayyed is the Regional Green Building Specialist for the East Asia Pacific Region at International Finance Corporation (IFC). He provides technical support to IFC’s green building programs in the emerging EAP countries, namely Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam and China. His primary focus is on close cooperation with government counterparts and private sector stakeholders in order to initiate and implement green buildings regulatory changes. He also provides support to governments in the region on development of long term green building strategy, capacity building of building professionals and government officials and creating opportunities for funding green buildings.

Do you want to know more about Primavera Residences? Call us now at +63 917 794 2221 or (088) 880-5002.

Pueblo de Oro Golf Club official Golf Partner of Primavera Residences

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On August 18, 2015, Primavera recently established partnership with Pueblo de Oro Golf Club as the green condominium development’s official golf partner. Pueblo de Oro Golf is an 18 hole, par-72 championship golf course intricately designed by Architect Robert Trent Jones II International.

The golf course was inaugurated on May 5, 1998 by President Fidel Ramos and was heralded as one of the finest in the Philippines with a majestic driving range, clubhouse, and tee houses. Strategically placed sand bunkers and grass add to the variety of challenges in this course.

“Our partnership with Pueblo de Oro Golf Course is just one of the add-ons that we give our tenants. We aspire to always provide them with the best options and deals,” Melissa San Jose, IDC general manager, said.

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As the first eco-friendly property in Cagayan de Oro, Primavera Residences is a front-runner in promoting and supporting green advocacies and projects in the city. Also committed in sustainable properties, Primavera makes sure to fully support projects that stimulates environmental campaigns in the city.

Primavera Residences’ developer, Italpinas Development Corporation (IDC), won numerous local and international awards for its contemporary design with natural airflow through inner spaces, and architectural elements designed precisely for the location’s latitude to shade the building’s surface from the sun throughout the year. The project has been cited as one of Asia’s top 10 clean energy projects because of its capacity to help residents save as much as 32% on air-conditioning energy consumption.

Primavera Serviced Residences offers long and short term stay

The 10-storey condominium property in uptown Cagayan de Oro offers serviced apartments with hotel-like services that are a less expensive and homier option for visiting businessmen and travelers and golfers.

All the units for rent are fully fitted with kitchen, cable TV, refrigerator, and air conditioning. Amenities include a green inner courtyard for natural lighting and ventilation, 24-7 security, CCTV, indoor pool, gym, function hall, laundry station, and twin elevators. Located in the booming business and commercial area in uptown Cagayan de Oro, it is just walking distance to SM City CdO, and easily accessible to public transportation, and Pueblo de Oro Golf Course.

“This coming August 27-30, Pueblo de Oro Golf is holding a tournament. I’m inviting all golfers to join the event and experience “Higalaay”. As you join this prestigious gold tournament, make Primavera Residences your home as we have prepared exciting promos just for you,” San Jose concluded.

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To know more about Primavera Residences and its partners, you may reach them at (088) 880-5002, (+63) 917 864 4061, or email them at leasing.pso@italpinas.com. You can also access their website at www.primaveraresidences.com.

Italpinas accepts Special Award in Real Estate Dev’t at the 4th Mindanao Business Leaders Awards

Last July 25, BusinessWeek Mindanao, together with its sister publications, awarded 10 business individuals and organizations and 15 special citations to establishments and personalities at the 4th Mindanao Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs Awards.

For the fourth time, BusinessWeek Mindanao consistently gave recognition to the most deserved magnates that have massively contributed to the economic development of Mindanao.

One of the 13 special citations is Primavera Residences for being the Best Leader in Real Estate Development for Green Condominium.

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“It was an honor to receive the award on behalf of the people behind the success of this development. We share this award with fellow Kagay-anons as we provide them an eco-friendly place to live in,” Cesar Stefan Rago, Italpinas’ Public Relations and Marketing Officer, said.

The following were the awardees – Mega Entrepreneur Jose Alvarez, Darling Foods Corporation (Food Production and Marketing), Ecoverde Homes (Housing and Realty Development), MASS-SPECC Coop Development Center (Cooperatives), N Hotel (Hotel Industry), Thai Me Up (Outstanding Franchisee), Botoy’s Lechon Manok (Outstanding Franchisor), Apple Tree Resort & Hotel (Resort and Entertainment), Gama Foods Corporation (Agro-Industry Leader) and Vjandep (Micro Entrepreneur).

Special citations were given to the following: Tieza general manager Mark Lapid (Outstanding Tourism Leadership), DOT 10 director Catalino Chan III (Tourism Promotion), Apple Tree Resort & Hotel (Tourism Development), RR Family Spring Resort (Outstanding Tourism Destination), jointly the city government of Tangub and the municipal government of Maramag, Bukidnon (Outstanding LGU in Tourism Development), the city government of Ozamiz (Outstanding LGU in Economic Enterprise Development), Mimi Parrel-Pimentel (Outstanding in Fashion Industry), jointly the provincial governments of Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental (Outstanding LGU Healthcare Program), jointly Paglaum Multi-purpose Cooperative and NARCICO of Compostela Valley (Cooperative Development), Holcim (Social Responsibility Program), Johndorf Ventures Corporation (Housing Industry Development), Primavera Residences (Green Condominium), MCDC and Ecoverde Homes (Socialized Housing) and Tesda Misamis Oriental provincial director Leo Velez (Business and Industry Integrator).

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“Entrepreneurs go through the process of having business plans, acquiring human and other required resources, and are fully responsible for their success or failure. One of the reasons we have the Mindanao Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs Awards, which is on its fourth year now, is because we are with you — businessmen and entrepreneurs — all through these years, and we celebrate in every step you make to success. Let me and BusinessWeek lead you exactly there.” Sudaria said.

IDC’s premier project in Cagayan de Oro – Primavera Residences, a green, mixed-use development – was built to serve the city’s increasing demand for affordable housing with sustainability in mind. It was awarded this year as the Best Mixed-Use Development in the Philippines by the Asia Pacific Property Awards.

To know more about Primavera Residences, you may visit www.primaveraresidences.com or call 088-880-5002.