Earth Hour 2015: Use #YourPower to Change Climate Change

WE ARE ONE DAY AWAY TO A BETTER PLANET!

On March 28, Saturday, at exactly 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm, we celebrate this global switch-off event called Earth Hour together with millions of citizens across the globe. For an hour, everyone in the world will switch off their lights to show their commitment in caring about the future of our planet and the pressing threats of climate change.

Hundreds of cities around the world will participate, and some of the most famous landmarks of the world will go dark as well— the dramatic lights of the Eiffel Tower, the Coliseum, and the Big Ben will impressively go dark for a better future.

Through this initiative, we are showing concern about what’s happening to our planet and paves the opportunity for everyone to act upon what’s right and what’s needed.

All countries have to elevate their efforts in our common fight against climate change. There is no other time to move as one and act upon our goal to a better planet, but TODAY.

Our time is now

“We are the first generation to feel the impact of climate change and the last generation to do something about it,” H.E. Barrack Obama said in one of his speeches.

As the first and only sustainable condominium development in Northern Mindanao, Primavera Residences is one with the world in committing to a better planet to live in.

To fully address human rights and climate change problems, the world asks for your help and the help of the billions of people to participate in this fulfilling event of our lives.

So, when you switch off your lights on Saturday, remember that this year’s Earth Hour is time to think about the world, about the people, and about us. This is the time to act and engage ourselves to make a huge difference in our planet.

Use #YourPower to change climate change.

Do you want to know more about Primavera Residences green advocacies? You may click here.

6 Ways to Celebrate Earth Hour with your Family

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We are 2 days away from celebrating Earth Hour! Are you still searching for ways on how to celebrate Earth Hour and sustaining it for the days to come? What the world needs are people like you. If you’re shifting to a more sustainable and energy-conscious way of life, then you are more qualified to participate in this worldwide event!

Here are some ways to maintain you and your family’s commitment to protecting our planet and contribute to the global environmental change.

  1. Talk with your family: This is an opportunity to talk with your family about your contribution to the Earth Hour. This way, you cannot just participate by yourself but you can also encourage your family members. Some easy contributions at home are by simply turning off the lights, schedule watching the television, charging your gadgets ahead of time, and by limiting waste as you make a positive impact on the environment. This Saturday, take this as an opportunity to be with your family as you go stargazing.
  1. Impose and save: You can set up a plan on what areas of your house where electricity can be saved. You can simply place flags or stickers on when to use these appliances or unplug your computers. Through imposing these simple discipline, turning off lights and other devices will not just save energy but could shape your family members’ character and behavior.
  1. Issue a challenge: Turn off the television and computer! Gather the family, light a candle and pull out your favorite board games. Scrabble, Monopoly, Trivia Pursuits and Pictionary are some great options. You might event notice you’ve bonded so closely that you were celebrating it past the hour. How’s that for a simple and eco-friendly family bonding?
  1. Impart wisdom to your kids: By simply calculating the ways you can save energy in and around your house can help your kids understand the impact they can contribute with their individual actions on the entire environment. You can explain the effects, savings they get, and benefits from being conscious of their electricity consumption. Through this, these steps will help them reduce the use of energy.
  1. Walk the talk: Invite family and friends over to celebrate Earth Hour together. Turn off the lights and other appliances while you watch an environmentally-themed movie. Afterwards, you can have a group discussion and write down what actions should be done. Be inspired to become an inspiration. Let’s walk the talk.
  1. Share to the world. In taking part of this global event, it wouldn’t hurt you if you post your Earth Hour experience with the hashtag #ChangeClimateChange. So, see you this Saturday as we make the world a better place to live in!

Italpinas Euroasian Design and Eco-development Corporation’s (ITPI) flagship sustainable condominium development in Cagayan de Oro, Primavera Residences, fully supports the goals of Earth Hour. Being one of Cagayan de Oro’ green advocates, the green building is designed with eco-friendly features that helps reduce the residents’ electricity consumption.

Do you want to know more about the Primavera Residences and its advocacies? You may click here.

Why a Condominium Lifestyle is Fit for You

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There are better place to live in, because at the end of the day, we deserve to live better. Condominiums are changing the way we live, or change the way we want to live. We work hard enough to dream of a better place we can come home to, right?

There is a consistent rise in property developments especially in mid and high rise residential condominiums. These just show that more and more Filipinos are embracing the condo life.

A lot has closed their minds with the concept of condominiums. Say a box, or killing yourself of claustrophobia. But the truth is, the comforts and benefits of condo living are simply irresistible.

Budget? Not a problem.

In the Philippines, to own a condo unit, especially in a prime location, it will cost you around Php 1.5-2 million. But if you intend to rent out a fully furnished unit, an average condo unit will cost you Php 15,000-20,000 a month. Living in a condo unit or vertical living, as they call it, can be relatively be cheaper. Buying one will not just guarantee safety and class, but you’re guaranteed a package and it’s a very good one.

Horizontal living, on the other hand, subjects you to build a house and buy a lot. Apart from that, you will also be needing an architect, engineer, contractors and carpenters, and even an interior designer. However, with condos, the developer handles all that. They will also help you get approved on bank financing and home loans. All you have to do is sit and relax while they do all the work for you.

If you are a young professional, or newly-wed trying to start a family, living in a condominium will save you money on going to parks, gym, and recreation venues. To enjoy these privileges, all you have to do is pay on what we call association dues. But then you won’t ever have to worry about security, maintenance of these amenities and leisure areas, and garbage collection—all of these are handled by the property management.

Perfect location to a great life ahead

The prime consideration in which condominiums are best at is choosing the right location. Condo developments are usually in the middle of busy business districts, so you can save gas and transportation expenses.

Nothing beats condo living in terms of convenience. You don’t have to worry about living safely because CCTV cameras are installed almost everywhere.

Not because you live in a small place does not mean you have to compromise your lifestyle, you can invite friends anytime for a pool party. You can take your kids to the playground or walk your dog to the park. You don’t have to pay to get fit because condominiums usually have their gym facilities.  And while you are at the heart of living in a city, you don’t have to feel all tired and wasted because there are plenty of leisure activities available. A good condo in a good location is the answer to that.

 Home in Uptown Cagayan de Oro, Philippines

In the city which is cited to be 2014’s 2nd Most Competitive City in the country, Cagayan de Oro has rapidly developed in the recent years. Uptown Cagayan de Oro is consistent in attracting high quality businesses that serve the public with excellent services and products.

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 enclosed 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 completed early next year. Buyers may choose from studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units.

Do you want to know more about Primavera Residences, you may contact them at (088) 880-5002 or 0917-794-2221 or visit their websit by clicking here.

5 Eco-friendly Devices You Should Try

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The world generates twenty to fifty million metric tons of electronic waste each year and most of the consumption is caused due to heavy use of electronic appliances according to the United Nations Environment Program. However, there are ways to reduce the wastage of electricity by switching to gadgets with solar-powered counterparts, or gadgets that are made from recycled materials and are non-biodegradable.

To give you an idea to what gadgets are environment-friendly, here are some of those:

  1. iBamboo

No need for an outlet or any batteries at all, just a bamboo cut to the usual portable speaker with a slot on the top to rest your iPhone. All you need to do is turn your phone’s speaker on, set it in the slot, and the natural acoustics of the bamboo will amplify the sound. Yes, no electricity required. How’s that, huh?

  1. Eton Mobius

With the rise of the high technology gadgets that contribute to global warming, consumers nowadays are getting even more conscious on how they’ll be able to contribute to being eco-friendly. Eton Mobius helps when you’re out for a day of traveling and need a quick and simple way to have a little bit extra juice, and you want to be eco-friendly about it. Eton put out a rechargeable battery for iPhones that is essentially a case with a solar panel attached at the back. How about a free battery charging wherever there’s sunlight, ey?

  1. LED Monitors

As much as we try to accept the advancement of technology and its implications in our daily life, we have yet to embrace it in its totality. One fine example of such a situation is our use of the bulky cathode-ray tube (CRT) monitors that we use as screens for our computers. They are huge, heavy, space and energy consuming, and the worst part is, they comprise of deadly chemicals like lead to manufacture.

To reduce this, make the eco-friendly switch by replacing them with LED monitors. These monitors are lightweight, sleek, and have less moving parts. Even better, they consume less electricity and also give a more user satisfaction in terms of display than its predecessors. Make the eco-friendly switch if you are using the old boxes.

  1. Smartphones

You will never go wrong with the multi-functionality of your smartphones. Think about it: your phones are your cell phones, mp3 players, digital camera, e-planner, e-reader, GPS device, calculator and so much more. In fact, the more uses you find for your smartphone, the more eco-friendly it becomes because each time you consolidate your gadget needs into the apps and functions contained in your smartphone, the fewer peripheral device you need. The fewer electronic devices you buy, the lighter impact you have on the planet.

  1. Asus Bamboo Ecobook

The cover of this ASUS Ecobook is made of bamboo and is truly a decent way of getting your compute power while lowering your electricity costs. All of the plastic inside this Ecobook is labeled and recyclable. The components are lined with cardboard and there are no paints, sprays or even electroplating used on its components.

Do you know of any other devices that promote green living? Let us know in the comments.

Primavera Residences, the premier eco-friendly development in Cagayan de Oro City, regularly shares green tips for our readers. Do you want to know more about it? Click here.

Oro Sustainable Developer Partners with Syagit 2015

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Italpinas Euroasian Design and Eco-development Corporation (ITPI), Primavera Residences’ developer, partners with XU DevCom as they exhibit various communication materials to pursue their campaigns on ecological protection and the informed choices for a healthy choices. With the theme Sampit sa dapit, I-syagit, senior DevCom students address the city’s prominent issues through campaign materials adhering to the voices of the underserved.

“It’s payback time,” says Mia Lluisma, Syagit 2015 Overall Head, “This March 10-12, SYAGIT 2015 offers a variety of communication materials that feature food security and environmental protection. These materials provide information in the hope that the residents and the government take the necessary actions to address the issues on environmental degradation and food security.”

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The theme for this year’s SYAGIT is divided into two, which are focused on the campaigns on food security and environmental protection. The campaign on food security through posters and infographics could help spread awareness on the issue on food scarcity and hunger and to also promote sustainable agriculture in the city. On the other hand, the campaign in environmental protection is addressed through posters and newsletters that were gathered from the different communities in the city. All of these materials will be incorporated in the different campaigns of the communities to actively spread awareness the city’s prominent concerns.

“As communicators for the city’s development, SYAGIT aims to awaken the spirits of Kagay-anons in addressing the growing problems in the city and to act on them,” Ariana Pagdanganan, Marketing Head Syagit 2015, said.

Primavera, front-runner in promoting green advocacies in CdO

As the first eco-friendly property in Cagayan de Oro, Primavera Residences a front-runner in promoting and supporting green advocacies 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 Euroasian Design and Eco-development Corporation (ITPI), 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.

The multi-awarded building is located in a master planned community in uptown Cagayan de Oro and has supported several sustainable projects that promotes eco-friendliness and community development. It has also been effectively on the lead in supporting sustainable projects in the city.

Do you want to know more about the green building’s advocacy? Call them at (088) 880-5002 and 0917 794 2221 or you may visit our website here.

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City Tourism Council Honors Stakeholders through “Pasalamat”

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“2014 has been the best year for the tourism industry in Cagayan de Oro. This is not just because of the efforts of the City Tourism Council but also for the support you have showed us. These successes are achieved together with the people in CdO,” City Mayor Oscar Moreno said in the opening of the event.

In the past year, Cagayan de Oro has showed competitiveness and development in the tourism and economic industry that despite the tremendous setback brought by different tragedies, regained its sense of fulfillment through bringing in more investors and tourists from the help of the different stakeholders in the city.

Last March 6, the City Tourism Council (CTC) honored its stakeholders and partners through “Pasalamat”, a thanksgiving tribute to all who helped realize a transformative, resilient and inclusive Cagayan de Oro City.

“Resiliency has evolved with a new meaning, emerging from where you were from the beginning. Despite countless struggles, with the help of Kagay-anons, CdO emerged to be competent and bold. And that made us, Kagay-anons, the spirit that never gives up, never surrenders,” Moreno emphasized.

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Pasalamat, thanksgiving and tribute to partners

The event was hosted by the chair of CTC Arts and Culture committee, Dr. Rafaelita P. Pelaez, at Liceo de Cagayan University’s (LDCU) Rodelsa Hall.

Dorothy Pabayo, CTC chairperson, honored all stakeholders that took part in the success of the Higalaay Festival in August and the birth of Pasko de Oro, a brand that brought all Christmas events in the city under one roof last December 2014.

On the other hand, Eileen San Juan, Local Economic and Investment Promotions Officer, took the opportunity to give recognition to the people behind the success for bragging the first prize in the Most Livable Cities Design Competition.

The city mayor also thanked the council and the people for bringing back CdO on the trend. He also informed those present the city’s accomplishments of bragging the 2nd spot in the Most Competitive City in the Philippines and being outstanding in e-Governance.

Just recently, together with cities Batangas and Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro signed a partnership agreement last Dec 15 under a USAID program that is meant to spur the development of alternative cities as engines of inclusive and sustainable growth.

USAID supports Italpinas

In 2010, Italpinas Euroasian Design and Eco-development Corporation’s (ITPI) flagship development, Primavera Residences, was cited as One of the Most Promising Clean Energy Investment Opportunities in the Philippines by USAID’s funding partner is the Climate Technology Initiative-Private Financing Advisory Network (CTI-PFAN).

“As a USAID partner, we certainly benefited from the guidance and continued support of the agency in making our Cagayan de Oro project more viable for investment. Through this partnership, not only did our project boost its competitiveness but it also helped in making it more environmentally sound,” shared ITPI chairman, Jose P. Leviste Jr., during USAID visit last June 2014.

Primavera Residences is a two-tower, 10-storey mixed-use development in Uptown Cagayan de Oro with environment-friendly features. Its exterior walls are fitted with brise soleil shades that protect the windows from harsh sunlight during the hottest part of the day. Soon the building’s rooftop will also be equipped with photovoltaic solar panels to produce its own energy that will power its common areas. Because of these unique features, Primavera Residences won as Best Mixed-Use Development in the Philippines in the recently concluded 2014 Asia Pacific Property Summit organized by the prestigious International Property Awards.

Do you want to know more about the multi-awarded building? You may call us at 0917 794 2221, (088) 880-5002, or visit our website here.

Why a Condo Unit is the Best Graduation Gift

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It’s always exciting to see someone graduate from school—especially a college graduate who feels liberated from school and eager to start a new career. Graduating is exciting as it is terrifying especially when one starts to be independent.

Yes, there is no question that the best investment parents can give to their children is equipping them for the future—the gift of education. But what happens after graduation? As their child goes through the “real world”, worrying in silence would be very excruciating. Parents want nothing but the best for their children and for graduation, they would probably give their child the best gift ever.

Well, here are some reasons why a condominium is the best gift ever.

Worthy investment

Buying a condo unit as a graduation gift is a worthy investment for both parents and children. Not only that it could be considered a second home but also making sure that your child is in a place that is convenient and secure even if you decide to let him go.

In the Philippines, condo units are reasonable with its easier and efficient modes of payment. Why not help your newly-grad with the down payment or the deposit if it’s a rent? When he lands on a job, tell him to chip in. This way, your child becomes responsible enough to handle such investment. A condo unit will not only be a real estate investment but an investment into his character and sense of responsibility.

The reality of adulthood

Dependency is over and slacking’s done. Sooner or later, when your child gets his diploma, he will have to face reality and start doing things on his own.

Buying him a condo means driving him to get his act together. Through proper guidance and timing, you’ll be amazed on how independence can do to a child. Also, with significant amount of supervision, your child will soon live responsibly and maturely.

As parents, come prepared with your list of what-to-bring, from kitchen wares to appliances, when he starts living on his own. Living away from your comfort zone is no easy task, but at the same time, there is no better training than getting your hands a little dirty.

Financial responsibility

When your child takes off from college, you would want him to become financially responsible and independent. Though it will be challenging but it sure is worth it. We cannot keep away from the fact that sooner, when he lands a job, he will feel the need to reward himself every payday and might spend on things that do not help him to become financially stable someday.

If he owns a condo or rents one, he will value every peso he spends since he has bills to pay. Little will you know that he will be responsible enough to save electricity and water consumptions and manages his social life.

This way, you’re teaching him to be financially responsible and how to save for the future. He will know the value of hard work and ensure himself of a better life ahead.

For a better future

Giving a newly-grad a condo helps him become responsible of his own space and own life. It will help him grow maturely and responsibly as a professional. Most importantly, he will have a better chance at living the life he knows he deserves.

How’s this kind of “congratulations” for your child’s future?

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This March, Primavera Residences offers special discounts worth P70,000 to its condominium buyers. In addition, buyers with graduating family members may also avail of an additional P5,000 worth of gift certificates which can be claimed at Bigby’s SM City CdO branch.

Primavera Residences is a multi-awarded green property development situated in Uptown Cagayan de Oro. Its passive cooling features include ledges on the exterior walls that provide shade and reduce the amount of direct sunlight hitting the windows, thus minimizing the use of air-conditioners. An inner courtyard at Primavera Residences also provide natural ventilation by expulsing warm air out through the rooftop.

Do you want to know more about the multi-awarded green building’s promos and treats? You may contact Primavera at (088) 880-5002, 0917 794 2221, or you can visit their website by clicking here.

Mindanao Pushes for More Renewable Energy Supply

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During the recent 5th Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee Principals’ Meeting at the National Power Corporation Board Room, key players in the  power sector stressed the importance of pursuing renewable energy as prominent source of electricity in Mindanao.

“There are good things coming for Mindanao and power is one of them,” Secretary Luwalhati Antonino, chair of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), said in her opening statement.

Compared to last year’s power state, this year has seen significant progress with the immediate and medium term measures, stressing that majority of the cities in Mindanao did not have rotating power outage as reported by the Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperative (AMRECO).

Antonino said that there are 231 renewable energy projects spread across Mindanao that could potentially generate at least 2,419 megawatts of sustainable power supply for the region between 2020 and 2025. In the next five years, over 2000 megawatts of renewable energy will be contributed to the Mindanao grid.

A startup project that promotes RE in NorthMin

In Northern Mindanao, a pioneering sustainable property developer has started to incorporate the use of renewable energy through property developments. Italpinas Euroasian Design and Eco-development Corporation (ITPI), an Italian-Filipino sustainable real estate firm, is committed to using green architecture paired with the use of renewable energy.

Primavera Residences, ITPI’s flagship sustainable condominium development, primarily promotes green architecture that helps reduce the impact to the environment. ITPI’s CEO and executive chairman Arch. Romolo Nati and its president, Atty. Jojo Leviste closely work together in achieving their goal to be the country’s prime movers in sustainable properties.

Leviste and Nati are also committed in incorporating energy-efficient systems in all their properties through its renewable energy business, Constellation Energy Corporation, with projects that include geothermal, hydro, wind, and solar.

“Sustainable design is more than just designing green. Aside from aesthetic design and caring for the environment, it has to help develop the communities,” Nati said. “That’s why our developments incorporate sustainability features that reduces 20% of the residents’ electricity consumption and are also built in secondary Philippine cities, where they can help develop local communities.”

Mindanao 2020 Peace and Dev’t Plan

The great move in pursuing RE projects, according to Antonino, is part of the efforts of key power players from the government and the private sector to provide Mindanao with a greener and renewable power supply.

Antonino added that pursuing RE development is also aligned with the MinDA’s Mindanao 2020 Peace and Development Framework Plan, which recognizes power as a major enabling factor for socio-economic development.

By 2016, the power scenario in Mindanao, including the committed projects, is expected to be 40% hydro, 28% coal, 25% oil-based, 6% geothermal and 1% biomass, MinDA data said.

But in 2019-2020, the energy mix in Mindanao, including committed and indicative power projects, would be 56% coal, 24% hydro, 14% oil-based, 4% geothermal and 1% each for biomass and solar, according to the same data.

Romeo Montenegro, MinDA director for investment promotion and public affairs, said that the government fully supports the development of renewable energy projects to balance the energy mix in Mindanao in the long-term.

Primavera to put up solar panels this June

This June 2015, Primavera Residences will be installing 6 sets of 3 kWp solar panel kits that could generate an estimated monthly electricity output of 270 kWh per kit at the roof deck to power the building’s water pumps, elevators, and other common areas.

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Do you want to know more about the energy-efficient building? You can contact them at 0917 794 2221 and 088 880 5002 or you may visit their website here.

What to Look Forward to in Uptown Cagayan de Oro?

Uptown CDODubbed as ‘The Emerging City of Tomorrow’ by the UN Habitat, Cagayan de Oro is consistent in achieving its goals in sustaining the city’s economic growth and upholding sustainable expansions in property developments.

Uptown Cagayan de Oro is a developing residential township and business center. With the surge of upper class communities and commercial hubs, Uptown CdO brings another sense of the city’s residents– a sense of ownership and pride to residents living within its area. You can now hear people saying “I live in Uptown” bringing in the sense of class and wealth.

According to Lorens Ziller, CEO of Multiplata Investments, with Uptown Cagayan de Oro becoming an emergent residential and business center, it has become the Makati of Northern Mindanao. “Though Uptown CdO is still underrated but it is well-recognized by those who count and can afford to live in upper class communities like Xavier Estates and within the Pueblo de Oro Community,” he adds.

What’s next for Uptown CdO?

UN Habitat and its planned city extension (PCE) program ‘Achieving Sustainable Urban Development’ (ASUD) has paved the way to transform uptown CDO’s landscape to a highly urbanized yet sustainable district in Cagayan de Oro.

ASUD pursues its PCE program in Barangay Lumbia. ASUD aims to link the urbanized downtown to its uptown area considering it also connects the gateway to province of Bukidnon, providing an inter-provincial transport hub for the trade and commerce of agricultural goods.

With this in mind, Uptown Cagayan de Oro will soon become another district of entertainment and leisure.

Planned sustainable urbanization for CdO’s uptown

With the surge of plenty well-developed subdivisions and an expanding condo scene, from Xavier Estates to Primavera Residences, the uptown is the place to be for those who are looking for a sound real estate investment.

Uptown Cagayan de Oro has a lot in store for us. Aside from its vibrant yet peaceful scenery, the city government is planning to build a sports complex for varied sports activities of the Department of Education (DepEd) also in Barangay Lumbia.

Among the amenities will be the athlete’s quarters, swimming pool, and track and field oval, to mention some. This aims to prepare athletes to various competitions in athletics.

With these plans for the uptown, the city extension area can absorb up to 25 percent of the city’s growth over the next 30 years.

The booming city of Northern Mindanao is one of three Philippine cities being supported by the USAID under the Cities Development Initiative (CDI), which aims to empower secondary cities as engines of national growth.

Italpinas, a CDO developer

Italpinas Euroasian Design and Eco-development Corporation (ITPI) is a leading CDO eco-developer in the Philippines that aims to develop sustainable properties in secondary cities in the country. ITPI’s flagship condo development in Cagayan de Oro, Primavera Residences, is the first and only sustainable condominium in Northern Mindanao. Located in Uptown Cagayan de Oro, it has received numerous awards locally and internationally for commitment to build sustainable properties.

According to ITPI’s President, Atty. Jojo Leviste, “While we realize the challenge brought by this new competition, I believe we can effectively meet that challenge by retaining our development’s persona as a Cagayan de Oro original, of a company that recognized CdO before the competition did,” Atty. Jojo Leviste, ITPI President, as he proudly shares this bold move to put up Primavera Residences that made an impact to Uptown Cagayan de Oro’s growth.

To know more about Uptown CdO’s first and only sustainable condominium development, Primavera Residences, please click here.

E-books vs Printed Books: Which is the Better Choice?

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From cassette tapes to CDs, from Walkman’s to MP3 players, and from VHS to DVDs, we know that the race is getting even tighter now. The next round of format battle begins, who will come out on top: e-books or the traditional printed books?

There are many factors to consider when discussing the matter of e-books vs. printed books, but ultimately, it boils down to the reader’s preference.

Printed words and papers’ crisp

Avid fans of printed books claim that there’s still nothing like the smell of paper and the rustle of the pages as the reader flips gently through the book with their fingers. There’s something deeply intimate about the entire experience, they claim, and it’s one that cannot be derived from the cold, electronic e-book version.

Apart from these physical considerations, however, studies have shown that when it comes to reading comprehension, printed books are still the better choice. The study found out that literacy building in children is more effective with a printed book than with an e-book because of the centralized focus on the story and the opportunities for interaction between the child and the parent reading the book together.

The world has gone digital

On the other hand, those who prefer the e-book often say that the device takes lesser weight on their shoulders– literally. Yes, packing for trips is bad enough as it is, but it becomes doubly so when challenged with the task of choosing which book to bring. With the e-book, however, a reader can take hundreds of books with them on the journey, and only take up a few square inches in their carry-on bag.

For e-books, on the other hand, there are students and medical professionals who prefer using these for efficiency and prevent further hassle. Practicality-wise, using e-books is way “cheaper” than those of bulky and heavy books we see in book stores. Imagine ten 1000-page medical or accounting books in a one half-kilo e-book reader or tablet, how’s that for hassle-free student life, ey?  And what is news if it’s read tomorrow, anyway? With wifi-ready e-book reader, news and magazines are just a click away.

Aside from the debatable existence of both, there’s also this matter of production cost. Obviously, printed books cost more because of the resources needed. E-book reader manufacturers, though, spend the bulk of their production cost on the device itself, and from then on everything is digital and a fraction of the cost per book, compared to printed books.

The greater question: Which is more eco-friendly?

Well, clearly, whether the readers love the feel of a new paperback or hardcover book in our hands, paper smell that is fresh from the press or the crisp feel of the pages, and even the smell of the ink, we cannot object to the person doing the reading in which type they choose.

However, in this kind of world we live, where there is environmental degradation, it is best to be conscious of what needs to be acted upon accordingly. We can change the world we live in, not just by tree planting or clearing the roads from garbage, but also by simply shifting from the printed books to e-books.

The world has gone digital for many reasons. These are for convenience, efficiency, shareability, and conservation (of documents, photos and videos). Since e-books unquestionably save paper and therefore trees, it also conserves energy as it takes a lesser toll in electricity consumption in charging.

For an avid reader who reads more than 10 books per year, consider purchasing a device that will let you do other things, like Web surfing or e-mailing, to bring down your overall carbon footprint.

In conclusion, readers actually help the Earth by using their e-book reader devices rather than buying paper books. So after convenience, efficiency, shareability and conservation, they can surely add eco-friendly to the list of digital advantages. While we will miss the wisp of a turning page, it is safe to say that e-books and e-book readers are the green way after all.

Currently, sustainable developer Primavera Residences supports Cagayan de Oro Rugby Football Club as they are 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 until the end of the month of February.

Do you have any unused books? Let’s make these once again useful by donating these now and spread the joy of learning to the children of Papua New Guinea.

For more information, visit the official page of Primavera Residences or the CDO Rugby Club Official FB page.