Primavera Residences wins Leadership in Green Building in PHILGBC Awards 2016

Listed developer Italpinas Development Corp. was recently awarded the Leadership in Sustainability Design Award by the Philippine Green Building Council for its pioneering Primavera Residences project in Uptown Cagayan de Oro, and will represent the country at the coming World Green Building Council Asia Pacific Regional Network Leadership Awards for the same category.

“We are absolutely delighted with this recognition – and with the chance to represent the country in the regional competition,” said Romolo Valentino Nati. chairman and chief executive officer of Italpinas.

Italpinas’ flagship development was recognized for its two eco-friendly strategies: the use of passive green energy, involving an inner courtyard, a cross-ventilation layout and shaded facades; and the use of renewable energy from rooftop solar
photovoltaic panels, to power and light common areas and to afford its residents savings of 20 to 32 percent in airconditioning costs.

The project also embodies principles of biomimcry, an architectural philosophy that is inspired by nature.

Planned by Nati himself, the Primavera Residences’ emphasis on design and sustainability will be a staple of all future developments of Italpinas. The company’s follow-up offering is Primavera City, also in Uptown CDO.

According to Jose Leviste III, Italpinas president, the company is encouraged by the market’s warm welcome of its design-driven approach and focus on sustainability.

The company reported a 142.9 percent increase in net income in 2015, from sales of Primavera Residences units.

It recorded net sales of P216 million for the two-tower condo, a 62-percent increase year-on-year, as of the end of fiscal year 2015.

Eighty-two percent of the 328 units in both towers have been sold, with only six remaining in the first.

Italpinas also announced a return of equity of 22 percent, also as of the end of fiscal year 2015.

Following its initial success in Mindanao, Italpinas said it will continue to pursue projects outside of Metro Manila.

“We see growth in places like Cagayan de Oro,” Leviste said at the company’s recent stockhoders meeting.

He said Italpinas is now looking into Batangas, Davao, Mindoro and Negros.

Article from Malaya

The Best View of Cagayan de Oro

 

One of the most important things to consider when looking for a home is location. It has to be close to schools, hospitals, the supermarket, and other business establishments. Homeowners also value safety and security, which is why many prefer to purchase homes located inside subdivisions with 24/7 security.

For many Kagay-anons, it is also important that the location is flood-free and can withstand typhoons and other climate change-related calamities. This is one of the reasons why the uptown Cagayan de Oro community is booming.

Uptown CDO

The uptown CDO community starts the minute you go up the sturdy Carmen Hill. Real estate developers realized its potential when SM City Cagayan de Oro opened its doors in 2002. Since then, one subdivision after another started sprouting in different areas of the community. This was followed by establishments setting up their shops in uptown CDO.Since it is located approximately 110 meters above sea level, you are guaranteed to enjoy cleaner air. As such, the entire uptown CDO area is typhoon and flood-free. Although this vibrant community is definitely a modern one, you won’t miss out on trees and greeneries, as you’ll see them practically everywhere, even in subdivisions. Primavera Residences, for example, is the city’s first eco-friendly condominium, and it is located within the uptown CDO community.

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If you’re worried about having to endure the long drive to the city center, your worries are unfounded. You’ll find practically everything you will need there. Schools, 24-hour shopping marts, restaurants, bars, hotels, gyms, offices and other commercial establishments, and even a mini-hospital abound in the community.

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Aside from all these, uptown CDO is also the ideal place for those who want to get the best view of the city. No matter where you are, you will be rewarded with a majestic view of CDO and the Macajalar Bay.  If you want to watch the sun set, simply sit by your window and marvel at nature’s magical wonders. Whenever you need to relax and de-stress, find a spot where you can see the calm blue waters of the sea. You can also watch the city lights sparkle at night. Uptown CDO is definitely the ideal place to get the best view of Cagayan de Oro.

 

14 ways to go green this Valentine’s day

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If Facebook forced me to define my relationship with Valentine’s Day, I’d have to select “it’s complicated.” On one hand, it’s a good excuse to go on a sugar-high-fueled glittery-pink-heart-shaped spree of sharing the love.

On the other hand, Valentine’s Day has become a horribly shopping-driven holiday that encourages us to commodify our relationships and evaluate how much we’re loved by how much someone spends on us. Not to mention that it creates a lot of trash from wasteful packaging and cards that may not even make it to the recycling bin.

So, to reconcile these two impulses, I’m offering this list of ways to share the love with everyone you adore without hating on the environment.

1. Make an edible Valentine

© Margaret Badore

Vegan treats will sweeten the day without the waste–since they’ll definitely be devoured. Consider homemade Sweetheart sugar cookies or chocolate cupcakes with strawberry filling.

2. Avoid e-waste cards

That singing card might be charming, but e-waste is less cute.

3. Buy fair-trade and rainforest friendly chocolate

If you’re single or not, this day will involved some sort of chocolate for many people, but cocoa farming is associated with some serious ethical and environmental problems. That’s why it’s important to stick with fair trade chocolate.

4. Craft a recycled Valentine

An old-fashioned homemade Valentine can be way more meaningful than something you find in a store. Consider turning scrap paper, pressed flowers, or fabric scraps into cool, handmade cards and tokens of affection, like these cute cardboard hearts from the Five and One blog.

5. Shop your closet

That scarf you’ve never worn? That book you’re not going to re-read? Consider re-gifting. Or check out Gifteng, a site that helps you give and receive in your area.

6. Think local

If you’re going to do some gift shopping or eating out, consider supporting a local business instead of a big chain. You can also look for locally made products. For example, I recently discovered Bixby chocolate, made here in New York state with ethical cocoa.

7. Look for organic flowers

Rosa y Dani/CC BY 2.0

If flowers are a must, look for organically grown options because cut flowers can be particularly drenched in toxic pesticides. If you’re not sure about your local florist, you can also order online from Organic Bouquet.

8. Consider a potted plant

Even better than cut flowers, why not give a plant that will last longer than a week? Here are recommendations for houseplants that don’t need much water.

9. Choose sustainable wine

When it comes to picking a wine, look for the organic label or the Rainforest Alliance seal. Learn more about eco-friendly wines here.

10. Select ethical jewelry

© The Nozomi ProjectI love jewelry that comes with a beautiful story. If jewelry is the only way to delight your beloved, consider browsing Helpsy’s selection or supporting the Nozomi Project.

11. Send the perfect .GIF

It definitely won’t end up in the waste bin.

12. Be a green lover

You may want to opt for vegan protection, to keep things smooth with organic ingredients, to get good vibes without phthalates or have fun with plastic-free play.

13. Cuddle

Not only does it feel good, it’s good for your health.

14. Do something extra nice.

Maybe it’s making dinner for your mom or maybe it’s taking out the compost for your roommate. Maybe it’s just calling that friend you haven’t heard from in a long time. I’m sure you can think of something nice to do for the people you care about, and that’s what this day should really be all about.

Moody’s upbeat on PHL credit score

THE ECONOMY’S strong showing in the past quarter bodes well for the Philippines’ creditworthiness, Moody’s Investors Service said, as that performance stands as a testament to the country’s resilience amid external headwinds.

In its credit outlook released on Monday, the debt watcher said the faster-than-expected growth of 6.3% seen during the last three months of 2015 showed the economy’s relative strength despite the global volatility.

“The strong growth is credit positive because it demonstrates the economy’s resistance to global shocks and points to the government’s ability and willingness to shore up domestic demand amid a weak external environment,” Moody’s said in the report.

Moody’s currently rates Philippine sovereign debt a “Baa2”, a notch above minimum investment grade, with a “stable” outlook.

The fourth quarter growth in gross domestic product (GDP) is the fastest pace tallied for the year — up from the upwardly revised 6.1% in the third quarter — which brought the full-year average to 5.8%. That’s largely after revived stimulus from government spending and an uptick in domestic consumption.

Though settling below the government’s 7%-8% target for the year, the 2015 growth was a far cry from the flagging growth seen elsewhere in the region, Moody’s said.

“This strong performance comes at a time when weak global demand is slowing growth in export-oriented Asian economies, and puts the Philippines in a more robust position than many of its regional peers to weather any further global economic and financial market volatility,” the report read.

Domestic sources of growth — such as consumer spending and “relatively stable” overseas remittances — provide the country a cushion from dampened global growth and weak exports demand, the ratings agency said.

It helped that the Philippines does not have China as its top trading partner, Moody’s said, as the world’s second largest economy has troubles itself.

“Although the Philippines has not been immune to China’s slowdown, it is less reliant on Chinese demand than many of its regional peers. Whereas many Asian countries count China as their largest export partner, it is the Philippines’ fourth-largest export destination,” the report read.

“The Philippines is also much less dependent on commodity receipts for exports or fiscal revenues than its regional peers.”

WeakGLOBAL TRADE has been offset by “robust demand for Filipino services such as business process outsourcing and tourism, which the government has sought to promote.”

For 2016, Moody’s expects the Philippine economy to grow by 6%, keeping a forecast offered in September.

The debt watcher said ramped-up infrastructure investments and election-related spending ahead of the May 9 presidential polls will boost the economy further, while noting “some political uncertainty” that may arise from the change in leadership come June 30.

NO POLICY EASING NEEDED
Major central banks have eased policy rates last week in response to increasing market volatilities, but the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said it has room to hold fire on interest rates.

“We monitor what advanced economies central banks and central banks in the region do as these affect risk appetite of global investors and therefore capital flows also. Authorities will do what they believe would work for their specific circumstances,” BSP Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. said in a text message.

“Also, we don’t have to move in sync. So far our fundamentals have held up against these and other headwinds, aggregate demand remains firm and inflation expectations are well anchored. Thus there is no real urgency to change stance of policy now.”

The Bank of Japan on Friday pulled a surprise move to bring interest rates in negative territory, alongside continued easing by the European Central Bank as hinted by its president Mario Draghi. This comes amid expectations of further hikes in interest rates in the United States.

Commenting on the fourth-quarter GDP data released last week, Mr. Tetangco said the robust expansion meant current policy settings remain appropriate “as of the moment.”

As for the upcoming elections, the BSP chief said it would not likely be a big source of concern for the economy: “Election spending has a small positive impact on GDP and could raise inflation slightly. But these are not expected to persist. Many of the critical economic reforms have been institutionalized, so we can expect continuity of policies.”

EYES ON CORPORATE DEBT
In a separate report, Moody’s warned that slower growth prospects across Asia would likely weigh down the ratings for corporates and debt issuers in the region, with China’s slowdown and higher interest rates in the US seen as the key sources of volatility in capital flows.

“Asian economies will outperform most other emerging markets in 2016, testament to the region’s reasonably robust fundamentals. Nevertheless, against a backdrop of subdued global demand and financial market volatility, we expect flat or slower GDP growth for most Asian economies in 2016, with headline expansion coming in well below five-year averages in most cases,” it said in a Jan. 29 report.

“Slower growth and capital flow volatility will inevitably weigh on the top-line performance of rated Asian corporates and, after several years of rising leverage and weakening liquidity, this will likely lead to further downward ratings pressure and, ultimately, defaults.”

Moody’s expects the debt ratio for companies it rates at 4.9x at end-2015, worse than the 3.8x seen in 2011.

In Asia, only the Philippines and Taiwan hold “stable” ratings for the banking system and key indicators such as the operating environment, asset quality, capital, funding and liquidity, profitability and efficiency, and government support.

Primavera Residences Tower 2 now complete!

Cagayan de Oro, Misamis (December 22, 2015)— Italpinas Development Corporation (IDC), the developer of Primavera Residences, had its ceremonial turnover of its second tower in Cagayan de Oro through a formal ceremony attended by unit owners and their families, partner brokers, banks, and contractors last December 16, 2015.

Gracing the event were Italpinas officials and VIPs namely IDC Chairman & COO Arch. Romolo Nati, IDC President Atty. Jojo Leviste who led the ribbon cutting with City Mayor Oscar Moreno and INVEST Officer Eileen San Juan followed by a blessing ceremony of the building with Msgr. Florencio Salvador of the St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy.

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  In photo (left to right): Hon. Oscar S. Moreno (City Mayor), Arch Romolo V. Nati (IDC Chairman/COO) &  Atty. Jose D. Leviste III (IDC President) for the cutting of ribbon.

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  In photo: Blessing of Primavera Residences Tower 2

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 In photo (left to right): Atty. Jose D. Leviste III (IDC President), Jeanette B. Galleto (PRCC Property Manager), Arch Romolo V. Nati (IDC Chairman/COO) & Hon. Oscar S. Moreno (City Mayor); for the official turnover of keys by IDC to PRCC.

During the event, PRCC Administrator Jeanette Galleto formally turned over the key to one of Primavera Residences’ Tower 2 unit owners, Engr. Marie Cristy Lugtu with IDC key officers, Arch. Nati and Atty. Leviste.

From an interview with Sunstar Cagayan de Oro, Atty. Leviste when asked why they invested in CdO, he said, “We really believe that Cagayan de Oro has a growth rate that’s much more exciting than other cities. The Philippines itself is growing very fast but I think it’s time now to be more sophisticated about where we go within the Philippines because we can see that there is growth within the growth. There are stories that are definitely hyper-prospective for investors and CdeO, we believe, is one such story. We think that our experience so far has proven that.”

One of the key features of Primavera Residences is its eco-friendly design which results to a decrease in energy consumption of up to 20%. This is due to the high performance design of the building which includes cross ventilation, shading, and passive cooling features. The photovoltaic solar panels are already installed at the roofdeck to power the common areas of both buildings.

Primavera Residences is a twin tower, ten-storey mixed-used property located in uptown Cagayan de Oro City. It was recently awarded as the first and only condominium project to be certified by the IFC World Bank’s EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) in East Asia.

“In the future, there are plans for this particular precinct of the city to be developed, for other parts of CdeO to be developed. So the dynamic is changing, the center of gravity is changing in CdeO itself as a growing city, so all of these represent unprecedented opportunity,” furthered Atty. Leviste through an interview with Sunstar, “We do have plans to develop our second project, also here in uptown CdeO, so we look forward to presenting that once it’s ready.”

For inquiries, call 088-880-5002 or visit www.primaveraresidences.com.

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.

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.

PH Real Estate Industry Expected to Boom this 2015

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For the past years, there has been a consistent upward trend for the country’s real estate industry and its constant growth seems to go on this 2015.

Developers and analysts have kept a positive outlook and have foreseen a better and exciting real estate industry in 2015. Major factors such as the ASEAN integration, investment upgrade, the higher demand on BPOs and OFWs are solidifying the real estate market this year.

Office

The rising BPO industry fills up most office spaces in the country. These significant boost is all because of the recently achieved investment upgrade which gave confidence to multinational corporations that are looking for more investments and branching out in the country.

Hongkong and Singapore will be branching out to the Philippines as the ASEAN integration paves way for the office real estate sector in the country. This year, the main challenge for the office market would be keeping up with the demand when more international and ASEAN companies begin seeking properties in the country.

Last 2014, several corporate plazas and buildings are pre-sold and turned-over across the country. Currently, there is a fresh batch of supply being developed, and a weighty number of units will be turned over within the year. These business hubs are vital in spreading the economic growth in the country.

Commercial

The commercial sector in real estate is expected to boom this year. The corporate bigwigs have continuously raised the bar by expanding and upgrading many of their world-class malls and hotels. International brands, on the other hand, are finding their way in the country. Much like the office real estate sector, the ASEAN integration will rake in more brands to invest and put up their branches within the country.

Other players are also planning to step up their game in 2015. The retail industry are planning to invest billions in the next five year. With the continuous growth on OFW remittances, the Philippines have stepped up in BPOs and consistent in economic growth.

Residential

The Chamber of Real Estate and Builders Association (CREBA), the country’s largest organization of key players in the domestic real estate industry, sees the Philippines grow further because of the ASEAN integration and the region’s increasing role in the global economy.

As the ASEAN integration will transform the economic landscape of the whole region, the demand for residential spaces adjacent to malls, retail centers, and other recreational spaces would rise since the elimination of tariffs on goods and services by a single ASEAN economy could drive consumers spend higher.

Currently, there is a sky-rocketing demand coming from low- to mid-income markets. Buyers from this bracket are purchasing properties as end-users, not as investors. Driving this demand are retirees and OFWs who are either planning to settle back in the country, or are purchasing for their family members.

The BSP recently announced that they will be releasing a housing price index in 2015 to prevent the property market from overheating which also support the increasing demand that keeps this sector flexible.

Are you looking for office, commercial or residential spaces? You may visit Cagayan de Oro’s first and only sustainable condo property, Primavera Residences. Click here for more information about the property or you may call 0917 794 2221 or (088) 880-5002.

Top 4 Reasons Why More People Choose a Condo Over a House

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Let’s face the fact that living in a single-detached home can be very expensive, especially when you decide to live on your own and want to live in major cities. Securing a house in good locations can be quite tedious because of cost and availability reasons, resulting to more people opting for a condo unit than traditional houses.

Here are the top reasons why:

  1. Cost-friendly: Nowadays, condo units are often the popular choice for yuppies, newly-weds, and small families because of affordability compared to single-detached homes. Since a condo unit is fairly divided, making it easier for you to maintain and clean. Also, in the Philippines, you can own a condo unit for as low as Php 8,000 per month.
  1. Location: When buying a place to live, one of the top consideration is the location. If you’re looking for a place that is just a few steps away from important places, then there is no doubt that a condominium is the best choice. Primavera Residences, located in Uptown Cagayan de Oro, is situated just beside one of largest mall in the city, SM City CdO. Not only that, it is also a walking distance to restaurants, movie houses, salons, supermarkets, schools, offices, and other leisure and entertainment hubs.
  1. Safety: Now that most of our jobs require us to travel a lot and spend most of our time at work, living in a condo unit gives you the convenience of not having to worry about leaving your home unguarded. For Primavera Residences, the building provides 24/7 security with highly trained security guards who are deployed to watch the possible entry points of the building to avoid illegal entry. Security cameras also covers the common areas of the building to make surveillance more effective. Lock and leave? Not a problem.
  1. Amenities and facilities:  Living in a condo gives you easier access to a swimming pool and gym, giving you the freedom and convenience to visit these amenities any time for your relaxation needs. This is just one of the many reasons why a number of the working population choose condo units over single-detached homes.

Condo living has both advantages and disadvantages, but for young professionals, newly-weds, or even friends living under one roof, then a condo unit truly offers more advantages.

Primavera Residences, a mixed-use development which is located in Uptown Cagayan de Oro, is the first-ever eco-friendly condominium project in Northern Mindanao. Specifically located at Pueblo de Oro Business and I.T. Park, Primavera Residences is ensured with 24/7 security. Surrounded with nearby leisure and entertainment areas, the building is just a walking distance to SM City CdO.

Primavera Residences is 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 turned over in a few months’ time. Buyers may choose from studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units.

Do you want to know more about Primavera Residences? You may visit their website by clicking here or call (088) 880-5002 or 0917-794-2221.