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

Congratulations to the February Social Media Contest Winner!

Want to win fun and exciting prizes every month? It’s super easy! Just visit the official Primavera Residences Facebook page and join the monthly contests.

For February this year, we asked everyone to send their Valentine selfies with the Primavera Residences building or booth in the background.

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We received several entries, but the entry submitted by Mr. Shim Suan and his family won our hearts and garnered dozens of likes from the Facebook community.

Suan family
The winning entry

As the selected February social media contest winner, Mr. Shim Suan and family won a dinner date courtesy of Primavera Residences.

Here are some photos from their family dinner date at Barkadahan Grill in Primavera Residences. The entire family claimed the prize last Sunday, March 30.

 

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Thank you so much, Suan family!

Many thanks also to the management and staff of Barkadahan Grill Pueblo for the assistance and support.

Like the official Primavera Residences page on Facebook and stay tuned for our monthly contests and freebies!

Know more about the multi-awarded Primavera Residences by clicking this link. 

Primavera Residences Invites you to Join Earth Hour 2014

On the last Saturday of March every year, 7,000 cities and 152 countries switch off their lights for one hour in the biggest movement for the planet in the entire history of mankind.

We call this Earth Hour and it closely coincides with the equinox to make sure that the earth is blanketed in total darkness. More than just a symbolic action of turning off the lights for one full hour, Earth Hour is a movement that aims to inspire individuals and organizations to take action in helping create a better future for the planet.

Earth Hour started seven years ago and the Philippines has been participating since 2008. In Cagayan de Oro, the first city-wide Earth Hour event was observed in 2009 with spectacular performances followed by the symbolic switching off of lights at Divisoria, Cagayan de Oro City.

 

How can you participate this year? 

There are different ways to participate, but first and foremost is to switch off the lights in your home and office from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm on Saturday, March 29.

Here are other ways to support Earth Hour.

  1. Spread the word and be an Earth Hour advocate. Tell your friends, family, colleagues, and everyone you know to switch off. You can do this through your social media accounts. In Facebook, there is an app called City Switch Off that you can use to invite your friends.
  2. Join the Earth Hour celebration at SM City CDO. Fanfare, performances, and loads of fun and entertainment await you at SM City Cagayan de Oro. Bring your friends and family and join the countdown to 8:30 PM!

 

In uptown Cagayan de Oro, Primavera Residences, the multi-awarded green property in Mindanao will take part in Earth Hour 2014. You too can do your share and be a superhero for the planet, just like this year’s Earth Hour ambassador Spider-Man. But remember to do your part and make a difference not only for that one hour, but beyond Earth Hour as well.

 

Learn more about the first green condominium in Cagayan de Oro by clicking here. 

 

Artist Nick Aca Jr.’s Works Now on Exhibit at Primavera Residences

"Poverty Lines" by Nick Aca Jr. 42"x56" wood relief

“Poverty Lines” by Nick Aca, Jr. 42″ x 56″ wood relief

Artist Nick Aca Jr.’s Works Now on Exhibit at Primavera Residences

 

Want to get a good dose of local art? Visit Primavera Residences to view the art works of premier Cagayan de Oro artist Mr. Nick Aca Jr.

15 of his works including his masterpiece “Poverty Lines” are currently on display at the Primavera Residences Events Venue until April 25, 2014.

nick aca jr paintings
ALONE (left) 24″x24″ acrylic on canvas and CRAVING (right) 24″x24″ acrylic on canvas
From left-right, PURPLE WINE and TEMPTATION 1&2 24"x24" acrylic on canvas
From left-right, PURPLE WINE and TEMPTATION 1&2 24″x24″ acrylic on canvas

 

DWELLING Series 22"x10 1/2" wood relief
DWELLING Series 22″x10 1/2″ wood relief

 

About the artist:

 

Nick Aca Jr. is a visual and performance artist. He is currently the resident artist and gallery curator at the Capitol University Museum of Three Cultures. He is affiliated with the Oro Art Guild, the Artists for the Lord, Neo Angono Artists Collective, and Art Association of the Philippines.

His recent exhibits include Glimpse of Mindanao in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last May 2013, and the Singapore Bienale 2013 in the Singapore Art Museum.

At present, Nick is a prolific assemblage, collage, and performance artist. His most recent performance called “Resbak” was a commentary on the environmental degradation in the region and the shared apathy, concern, or neglect by its people. Nick believes that the pursuit and production of true and good art require honesty of intention more than a truthfulness of perspective.

 

 

Want to know more about the multi-awarded Primavera Residences? Click here. 

Join the #AnticipatingSummer Photo Contest on Facebook

summer photo contest

 

 

Excited for summer? I’m sure you are. If you feel like reliving your fun beach photos and jump shots of summers past, feel free to tag the official Primavera Residences page on Facebook and you just might get the chance to win awesome prizes from us.

Here are three simple steps on how you can join:

  1. Like the official Facebook page of Primavera Residences HERE.
  2. Share your summer photos in the page or simply tag Primavera Residences.
  3. Use the hashtag #AnticipatingSummer.

Submit your entries until March 31 and wait for the official announcement on April 2. Winner will get gift checks for his/her summer shopping needs!

Hurry, submit your entries now!

 

Know more about Primavera Residences, the premiere green building in Cagayan de Oro HERE.

Calling All Amateur Photographers In Cagyan De Oro! Join The Primavera Earth Day Photography Contest!

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Are you an amateur photographer who

  • is ready and eager to showcase your work in print and in the world wide web?
  • has an eye and skill in creating stunning images that convey a message?
  • believes in the importance of sustainable development and eco-friendly solutions?

Then we are looking for you!

Join Primavera Residences’ “LIVING GREEN IN A MODERN WORLD: An Earth Day Photography Contest” and win fantastic prizes from the first multi-awarded green condominium building in Mindanao. This contest is co-presented by Smart Communications.

Who can join:

  • The contest is open to amateur photographers, photography students, and enthusiasts of all ages based in Northern Mindanao. Professional photographers (defined as an individual who receives compensation for his photographic work either as a one-person operation or through involvement in a studio outfit) are not eligible to enter this contest.
  • Participants under 18 years of age require the permission of a parent or guardian. By entering the contest, entrants under 18 years of age indicate that they have obtained the permission of a parent or guardian.
  • The contest is not open to employees of Italpinas Corp. or its subsidiaries and affiliates.

How to join:

  • Each participant is allowed to submit a maximum of 3 entries.
  • Entry is limited to original works that have not previously been displayed or exhibited and to which the entrant holds all applicable rights. Works that have won prizes in other contests or that have been submitted to other contests currently underway are not eligible.
  • The submitted works must revolve around the theme and will showcase eco-friendly living and sustainable projects in the region.
  • Images that have been retouched using digital software or by other means will be accepted. Both color and monochrome images will be accepted.
  • Entries must be submitted between March 1 to April 22, 2014.
  • By submitting an entry to this contest, the participant ensures the organizers that the content is original, does not plagiarize from anyone or infringe a copyright or trademark, does not violate anybody’s rights and is not libelous or otherwise unlawful or misleading. Should the organizers or judges receive a report and proof of plagiarism, the entry will automatically be disqualified.

 

After  carefully reading the guidelines, participants may submit their entries in jpeg format through any of the following options:

  1. Via walk-in at the Primavera Residences office in Pueblo de Oro Business Park, Cagayan de Oro. File must be in a CD or USB and submitted to Jane Duterte.
  2. Through the following email: crs@italpinas.com.
  3. By submitting a link from Facebook or Flickr.
  • Submitted entries must include the following information: participant’s name, address, phone number, email address, and photo caption.
  • Entries must have a resolution of 6 megapixels to be made available upon request.
  • Finalists will be announced in April 25, 2014 and will be open for public viewing in the gallery exhibit to be held at Primavera Residences and the Primavera booth in SM.

Copyright:

The copyright in all images submitted to the competition will remain with the copyright holder who will be credited. Each entrant grants to ITPI a non-exclusive irrevocable license to reproduce, publish and communicate to the public by any means and exhibit their awarded image(s) and copies of their awarded image(s) in all media  in relation to the competition and the exhibition.

 How will the entries be judged?

  • Images will be judged on relevance to the theme, originality, composition, overall impact and artistic merit.
  • The team of judges will be composed of officials from Italpinas, members of the CDO press and bloggers community, and prominent Cagayan de Oro photographers. (Meet the judges HERE)
  • Preliminary judging of the online gallery will be done from April 22 to 24, 2014.
  • On April 25, the top 10 entries will be unveiled in a photo exhibit to be held at the Primavera Residences booth in SM City.
  • Final judging and awarding will be on May 3, 2014.
  • All decisions made by the judges are final.

ADDITIONAL NOTICE:

The panel of judges and the contest organizers take plagiarism very seriously. All the submissions will be accepted in good faith and presumed to be the participants’ property. Should reports of plagiarism with attached proof be received by the judges and contest organizers, the reported entry will be automatically disqualified from the contest and prizes will be forfeited.

 

MAJOR PRIZES

First Prize:

  • 2 nights luxury stay for 4 at Primavera Residences with free breakfast.
  • Spread in the Primavera newsletter
  • Opportunity to showcase his/her portfolio on the Primavera Blog
  • Plaque
  • 3-month membership to Wellness Wednesday Club@Primavera including 2 months pool & gym use.
  •  1 LTE Pocket Wifi and additional gift items from Smart Communications

 

Second prize:

  • 2 nights luxury stay for 2 at Primavera Residences with free breakfast.
  • Feature in the Primavera newsletter
  • Plaque
  • 3-month membership to Wellness Wednesday Club@Primavera including 2 months pool & gym use.
  • Additional gift items from Smart Communications

 

Third prize:

  • 1 night luxury stay for 2 at Primavera Residences with free breakfast.
  • Feature in the Primavera newsletter
  • Plaque
  • 3-month membership to Wellness Wednesday Club@Primavera including 2 months pool & gym use.
  • additional gift items from Smart Communications

 

Minor Prizes:

  • 7 winners will receive the following:
  • Gift certificates from partner establishments
  • 2 months membership to Wellness Wednesday Club@Primavera and pool & gym use.
  • Additional gift items from Smart Communications

 

Send your entries now!

 

If you want to know more about the number one eco-friendly destination in uptown Cagayan de Oro, go here. 

Primavera Residences Joins Kagay-anons in Celebrating CDO Mayor’s Birthday

Mayor Moreno 63rd birthday

Primavera Residences joined kagay-anons in celebrating Mayor Oscar Moreno’s 63rd birthday in a whole day event at Gaston Park and Cagayan de Oro City Hall yesterday, February 28, 2014.

The event which was organized by Cagayan de Oro City Hall employees and supported by private corporations and professional groups drew thousands of kagay-anons for its free services and fanfare. The celebration began with a mass at the San Agustin Cathedral followed by simultaneous events at the Gaston Park which served as the private sector partners’ gift to the city mayor.

Activities at Gaston Park include a medical and dental mission spearheaded by the Misamis Oriental Medical Society and the Philippine Dental Association, free legal assistance through the Integrated Bar of the Philippines CDO Chapter, feeding program for street children, free haircut and massage, blood letting activity by the Philippine Red Cross CDO Chapter, free anti-rabies vaccines, and outdoor camp for the arts.

Primavera Residences showed its support through providing over-the-counter medicines which were distributed during the medical mission.

Aside from the free services provided by private sponsors and professionals, different groups also showed up to offer their support. One of these is Mr. Nick Aca Jr. of the Oro Art Guild who fascinated passersby with the art work he was painting at the Outdoor Camp for the Arts.

nick aca jr of oro art guild

“Mayor Oca has always been a supporter of the arts in the city, and we are indeed very happy and honored when we were invited to become a part of his birthday celebration,” says Mr. Aca.

The whole day event was capped off with a program at the City Hall quadrangle.

See below some photos taken during the birthday celebration.

Primavera supports medical mission for mayor moreno's birthday
Doctors from the Misamis Oriental Medical Society during the medical mission
Free dental mission
Free dental mission
mayor moreno birthday
Mayor Moreno greets guests
primavera GM with arlene moreno
Primavera Residences General Manager Ms. Cheryll Barriga with Ms. Arlene Moreno
mayor moreno's birthday
free haircut
anti rabies at mayor moreno's birthday
free anti-rabies shots through the City Veterinary Office and private sponsors
primavera community relations during moreno birthday
Primavera Community Relations Specialist Jane Duterte with program organizer Mozart Pastrano and Mr. Sean Moreno

 

Interested to know more about the multi-awarded green condominium building in Cagayan de Oro? Go HERE. 

New Ventures and Opportunities at the 2014 PinoyWork.com Career Expo

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New Ventures and Opportunities at the 2014 PinoyWork.com Career Expo

By Samantha Lagar Liboon

You could say that I’m the kind of person who tends to grab almost every opportunity that comes my way. This is why I was thrilled to join the representatives of ITPI Corp. on PinoyWork.com’s Career Expo 2014.

Here are some reasons why:

1. Career development and opportunities

PinoyWork.com’s Career Expo 2014, which was held last February 26-27, 2014 in Centrio Mall was a two-day career development program organized for graduating students and job seekers in Mindanao. For companies, it also offered publicity and an avenue to present their company’s profile and products.

2. Inspiring talks

But the expo wasn’t only about showcasing job opportunities for Kagay-anons, it was also a venue for inspiring, insightful and thought-provoking talks from representatives of participating companies. There were several talks, but one that caught my attention were that by Clifford Roa, director of Philippine Red Cross CDO Chapter. Mr. Roa spoke on “Passion, Innovation and Network”. Another talk that struck me was that on “Entrepreneurship” by Ms. Concordia D. Acosta of the Department of Trade and Industry.

3.  “Passion, Innovation and Network”

As I listened to Mr. Roa sharing insights about how to succeed in our careers and how to be the ultimate salesperson, I was forced to reflect on new chosen career in real estate, and how all these ideals translate to the vision of ITPI Corp. or Italpinas Euroasian Design and Eco-Development Services. ITPI is the developer of Mindanao’s first eco-friendly condominium, Primavera Residences, which is located (luckily for us Kagay-anons) in uptown Cagayan de Oro. It’s an amazing property — the first mixed-use condominium in the city (and the region) that integrates passive cooling techniques with on-site production of renewable energy. And all of it was spawned from the vision of ITPI’s CEO and Executive Chairman Arch. Romolo Nati and ITPI President Atty. Jojo Leviste.

Noting that property developments have contributed to urban problems and global warming, Arch. Nati has long advocated a unique design philosophy that involves biomimicry — or mimicking the way nature uses resources and adapts to the environment.

Taking inspiration from a termite mound’s natural ventilation scheme, the two towers of Primavera Residences are able to cool the air that gets drawn from outside into the buildings. This air is then vented into the building’s floors, creating a cross-ventilation for the units inside it before it exits through the open space at the top, like a chimney. The constant air circulation, among other energy saving features of the building, results in a 32% decrease in air conditioner costs.

As I continued to reflect, I then realized that it’s high-time for all of us to become aware of and to be sensitive about caring for our ecology. Suddenly, I was proud of ITPI for doing great in driving the awareness of environmental issues and of making Primavera Residences affordable to both the business class and professional of Cagayan de Oro.

4.  Embracing Fearlessness and Risk

As for Ms. Acosta, her talk on Entrepreneurship highlighted the endless possibilities that could arise from taking risks and trying out independent ventures.

As I listened to the inspiring talks and observed the jobseekers and the companies who participated in the Career Expo, I was filled with a sense of hope. Suddenly, I was recharged with new-found energy to pursue new paths and achieve new goals!

Wanna know more about the highly innovative green condominium in Cagayan de Oro? Click here.

 

9 Things that Made February in Primavera Residences Super Fabulous!

How was your February? Ours at Primavera Residences was beyond awesome. We had a singles event and a cool online contest, we helped stage a romantic marriage proposal, and a lot of other exciting events.

Here, let me go through the events with you one by one.

1. Selfies galore! I know that at this point, you are probably cringing at the idea of taking selfies. But wait — how about Valentine-themed selfies that feature the first multi-awarded green condominium in Mindanao in the background? And you can do it too in the spirit of Valentine’s Day which is, of course, characterized by loads of cheesiness, quirky good fun, and an outpouring of love.

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And guess what? We’ve already picked a lucky winner! Stay tuned as we announce who wins a free dinner date courtesy of Primavera Residences!

2.  National Geographic feature. Did you know that Primavera Residences and its developer Italpinas recently got featured in the February 2014 issue of the prestigious magazine National Geographic? ITPI Corp. (Italpinas Euroasian Design and Eco-Development Corporation) was noted for leading the country’s push into sustainable architecture and property development. Read more of this HERE.

New Business Leaders in the Philippines featured on National Geographic

3. A surprise proposal at the rooftop!

A day before Valentine’s day, our collective hearts got melted when we witnessed a heartfelt and uber romantic surprise proposal that we helped stage at the rooftop. Nikko professed his undying love and devotion and asked Audrey to spend happily ever after with him in a proposal that rivals that of fairy tales. With tears in our eyes, we wiped off our mascaras and sniffed away tears of joy.

Watch the video here:

4. Primavera Residences officially partners with Cagayan de Oro Rugby Football Club! Have you heard about the fastest-growing sport in Cagayan de Oro? Rugby Football has swept Cagayan de Oro by storm. Last February 22, the CDORFC competed for the first time with the more experienced Davao and Cebu teams during the kick-off games of  the VisMin Rugby Football League. See more about this exciting sport in this article by CDORFC coach and founder Noel Villa.

cagayan de oro rugby club game

 

5. Primavera Residences joins the “GREENGINEERING” movement of engineering students through their activity called SIGMA: the youth engineer’s response to the call for a greener nation. Our very own CEO Arch. Romolo Nati who is highly acclaimed for his innovative green designs, spoke at the event about green architecture and sustainable development.

SIGMA event at centrio with arch nati

6. Two words: Singles Party! Who says Valentine’s month is only for the happily hitched? Singles can have fun, too! Especially with events like the Primavera Singles Freedom party held a week after Valentine’s day. It was an evening full of laughs, trivia quizzes, games, acoustic music, and loads of fun and prizes. See the details of the event through this blog post from Nino of TsadaGyud.com. 

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Photo from TsadaGyud.com

 

7. It’s our CEO’s birthday! ITPI’s very own architect and CEO Romolo Valentino Nati celebrated his birthday on Valentine’s day!! No wonder his name is Valentino, right? That and four other awesome things about our CEO here. 

Architect-Romolo-V-Nati-at-Philippines-Clean-Energy-Financing-Forum

8. We joined kagay-anons in celebrating Mayor Oca Moreno’s birthday. On February 28, different groups from all over Cagayan de Oro celebrated the city mayor’s 63rd birthday through a whole day event at Gaston Park and CDO City Hall. Activities include medical and dental mission (through the Mis Or Medical Society and Phil. Dental Association), free legal assistance, feeding program for street children, free haircut and massage, blood letting activity, free anti-rabies vaccines, and outdoor camp for the arts. As a show of support, Primavera Residences provided 250 packets of over-the-counter medicines as part of the free medical assistance activity.

medical mission feb 28

9. We participated in the 2014 PinoyWork.com Career Expo. Job hunting and career development can be quite tiresome. But thanks to events like the PinoyWork.com Career Expo, it can be a lot easier and more exciting! Last February 26 – 27, Italpinas joined the career fair at Centrio Activity Center and met jobseekers and mallgoers alike.

March is here and we are brewing a whole lot more fun activities for you. Be sure to visit Primavera Residences and join us in our next events!

 

Wanna know more about Cagayan de Oro’s first eco-friendly building and its exciting events, go HERE.

Cagayan de Oro Rugby Football Club (CdO RFC): A Kagay-Anon Journey to The Sport of Rugby

BY NOEL VILLA (founder and coach of the Cagayan de Oro Rugby Football Club)

 

Each one of us has a role to play in this world: a good father, a great leader, and a lot more. As for me, I choose to be a simple teacher who loves to teach and share my passion for Rugby.

I admit, I am no Jonah Lomu (the first global superstar in Rugby Union) and I will never be like him inside the pitch. But that’s not the only way one can spread love for the sport, especially in a place where almost nobody has ever seen a real rugby ball.

Back in the United Kingdom where I stayed for 27 years, I grew up playing rugby for my school. I love how the sport teaches discipline, strategy and team work and of course, the show of strength and agility which every sportsman can relate.

When I came home to the Philippines for a vacation in September 2011, I was lucky to find a rugby team to train with. My first team, The Raging Bisons, won 2nd Place in the Plate Division during the first ever Rugby 7’s in the 2012 Philippine National Games. I later joined the Globe Immortals Team and have contributed to Rugby 101 program to teach the sport at the Ultra grounds, which I find quite fulfilling.

 

noel vila cdo rugby
Winning a Silver Medal in the Plate Division during the 2012 Philippine Games

Love brought me to Cagayan de Oro City in June of 2013 and I have settled in this lovely City ever since. But there was one problem: nobody that I talked to knew anything about Rugby when I first came here. So, I started jogging at Pueblo de Oro carrying my only Rugby Ball, tossing the ball up in the air from 5:30am to 7:00am, with the sole mission of getting a curious jogger to ask what the egg-shaped ball was for. That proved to be a challenge and yes, I got some odd looks from the people who saw me then. For the next few days I did this religiously and though not having much luck, I didn’t think of giving up on the sport that has helped me a lot growing up.
After a few days of no luck, I realized I have to change my strategy. Since there was no Rugby club in the local scene, I decided to create one.

So in August 2013, I formed a Facebook Page which I named Cagayan de Oro Rugby Football Club (CDO RFC) hoping to catch the attention of those who are curious about the sport and possibly get them to play Rugby. I made sure to advertise the Club in different FB Groups, subtly recruiting boys and girls to try playing the sport and practically promoting its history and growth into the mainstream sports scene.

Three guys showed up during the first training session, then became ten and soon enough, we got girls into the Team. Now there are over thirty members in the Club and counting.

Above all, I am proud that CDO RFC Team has developed a heart for the community through our social advocacy, “Help Change the Life of a Child” providing sports therapy and feeding program to the children of Boys Town in Lumbia, Cagayan de Oro City.

help save the life of a child
“Help Change the Life of a Child” – Sports Therapy and Feeding Program of CDO RFC for the children of Boys Town Lumbia.

We also advocate the value of charity and goodwill to the community through our “Give Blood, Play Rugby” Program where we donate blood through the Northern Mindanao Medical Center.

Creating and maintaining the CDO RFC was no walk in the park and there is still so much work to be done.

I started the Club with no funds and had to rely on friends to share some of their precious savings so I can run the Club with integrity. There were paper works to accomplish, fees to pay and plenty of unanswered questions such as, “Where shall we train the kids?”, “Where do we get the balls, crash pads and cones for training?”, “How do we produce the kits?”, “How do we recruit players?” or “Where do we get the budget for rugby development?” and so on. Most of the answers to these questions actually cost me my own savings and precious time.

Steve Jobs once said, “The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking and don’t settle.” True, there were challenging obstacles along the way but I chose to do this because I love what I do and I believe that there are talents waiting to be discovered. Now I can proudly say that after five months of training under the sun or rain, CDO RFC is ready to take on another milestone: compete in a real game against more experienced teams.

——————-

UPDATE: On February 22, 2014, the Cagayan de Oro Rugby Football Club competed with the Cebu Dragons and Davao Durians at the Pelaez Sports Complex in Cagayan de Oro City. The day began with a free Get Into Rugby (GIR) Clinic which was open for boys and girls aged 11 to 16 from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. followed by the kick-off games of the VisMin Rugby Football League from 12 noon onwards.

 

See below for photos taken during the event.

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cagayan de oro rugby club game

cdo rugby club feb 22 game

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Do you know which multi-awarded green condominium building in CDO is proudly supporting the Cagayan de Oro Rugby Football Club? Click here. 

 

 

My Surprise Proposal at Primavera Residences

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By Nicolo Antonio Duterte

There comes a point in a man’s life when he can either man up and decide to spend his lifetime with the woman he wants to marry or just continue being single and free.  I chose the former, and so now I will talk about how I pulled off a nail-biting and nerve-racking marriage proposal .

Most men I know don’t bother about staging a full-blown surprise proposal since it entails careful preparation and creativity. Others would choose to be practical and pour all of that effort in the wedding itself.  But being a self-confessed true blue romantic that I am, I decided to give it my best shot and show the woman I love how truly blessed I am to have her in my life.

To those who wish to do the same, here are some tips that just might help you.

  1. Start with a plan. No surprise there, I used up a lot of lists and notes to get this done. I had to rack my brain for this. Planning when to propose, where to propose, what to bring, and what to leave out is really necessary. Think about it this way: a simple camping trip needs preparation. A proposal needs one too. If you cannot imagine a cool concept, try to just list two important things you want to recreate or accomplish in the proposal then go ahead and get it done.
  2. Gifts? Flowers? Yep! Choose a color she loves. Red, white, blue, violet even. Remember to stick with what she loves. An added touch such as a card or an item (whether a card or little gift) will do. If you have the perfect ring for this, go ahead. For those who don’t, do not worry, you can save up for that, just give her the best that you can give without breaking the bank. The effort behind the proposal is indicative of the effort you will give in planning for the wedding, and for the rest of your marriage. Or so they say.
  3. Food. Either you can order food in a fancy restaurant or have a friend who cooks really well (my chef friend made this a no-brainer for me). The plan you have in your mind and the energy to pull it off should include food. Again, just make sure to choose something she really loves and stick with it. Her preferences should be your top priority.
  4. Photographs. Who says the “selfie generation” made it important to take pictures? We were doing it before they were even born. A proposal does not happen every day, so better capture the moment that both of you will re-live in the future.  Ask for help from your photographer friends or hire one if you have to. What matters is that you take pictures. And more pictures to capture all the little details. Fifty years down the road, you will be very glad you did.
  5. The venue. At this point in your life, you may (or may not) already have an idea where to pull it off. Restaurants are a common and easy choice. Beach proposals are cool too. For the adventurer types, a tour and scenic view on top of a mountain will do. Just pick one that is logistically possible and meaningful for the both of you. For me, I wanted to have it done in a rooftop on a late afternoon, preferably with a great sunset behind us. Primavera Residences was the perfect place for this. Not only do they have willing co- conspirators to help me plan and implement the BIG SURPRISE, they also exerted a lot of effort to make this day truly wonderful for me, my fiancé, and our guests. The view of Cagayan de Oro in the rooftop was a magnificent bonus too. Though the weather did not cooperate to give us the usual amazing Cagayan de Oro sunset for our backdrop, it was awesome nonetheless.

Proposals are not easy to pull off but if you plan it well and put a lot of thought into it, your significant other will definitely appreciate it.  You do not have to spend a lot to propose. We can still be practical since these are practical times, however we must remember that this can happen only once in our lifetime, so better make it count.

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Check out the proposal video here:

Planning your own surprise proposal or any event? Call +63 917 7921080 or visit our website at http://primaveraresidences.italpinas.com.