Sunset at Primavera Residences

Posted by Jane on May 13, 2014

Do you know what Cagayan de Oro’s best-kept secret is? Its majestic sunsets! After every hot day, kagay-anons are treated to a spectacular display of golden hues blanketing the city.

The Cagayan de Oro sunset can best be viewed at the rooftop of Primavera Residences in uptown Cagayan de Oro. From that vantage point, you can treat yourself to a stunning 180-degree view of nature’s beautiful masterpiece.

So if you haven’t viewed the setting sun from the top of Primavera Residences, it’s time to jot it down in your to-do list and schedule a visit one of these days. Trust us, it’s something you simply won’t regret.

We have compiled some of our favorite (#nofilter) Primavera sunsets for you.

Photos taken by Jane Duterte and Cinder Calva

Best of all, you can have your very own view of the amazing Cagayan de Oro sunset right in your window when you rent or purchase a unit at Primavera Residences.

For more information about Primavera Residences, the first multi-awarded condominium in Cagayan de Oro, go here.

Broker’s Team Building

Posted by Primavera Residences on May 12, 2014

Team building is always fun, and summer is usually the best time to do it. This holds especially true for our valued realty brokers as they just had their own team building activity at the beach. Judging from the photos in this slideshow, our brokers had a fun time playing outdoor games that tested their physical agility. Curious as to what activities they did during the team building? Check out the slideshow below!

Where to Set Up Business in Cagayan de Oro?

Posted by Primavera Residences on March 19, 2014

Living in uptown Cagayan de Oro for two days really had a huge effect on me. Experiencing all that Primavera Residences had to offer for both the environment and the residents was an amazing experience.

I recall how everything at Primavera Residences was so well planned, structured, and laid perfectly ready for each of the owners and future owners of the condo units. It made me think of how a family should plan its future.

After experiencing the life there, I can’t help but dream of getting a condo unit for myself and my family; or maybe even just rent one of the units.

There is at least a couple of good things at Primavera Residences to interest you. For me, the basic necessities are just within reach as one of the largest malls in Cagayan de Oro, SM CdO, is just across the street. The location is safe and flood-free, at 110 feet above sea level. The good schools are just nearby. Access to restaurants and food places is not a problem, too–there are restaurants on the ground floor of Primavera Residences and, of course, there are many restaurants in the mall.

If you love where you live now, that’s fine. Consider opening a business at the ground floor of the building, a business catering to the needs of the building residents and neighbors. It could be food or laundry service or a shop or boutique. Your business would surely boom since there are a lot of big companies nearby, such as Concentrix, probably the largest call center in Cagayan de Oro City.

How different really is uptown living from downtown living? Well, for me, it is more peaceful, safer, and yet very exciting as uptown CdO is fast becoming a very busy lifestyle and business center–and Primavera Residences seems to be at the center of it.

I really recommend you try to experience uptown living as a renter, unit owner, or business owner. And make Primavera Residences your preferred location.

Primavera Residences has a weekly Wednesday Wellness that includes Zumba and other fun activities. Interested to join? Click here.

How Does Primavera Residences Keep Itself Cool and Save on Energy?

Posted by Primavera Residences on March 11, 2014

The towers are also designed to have cantilevered edges, the part of the building painted a shade of brown, that produce shadows that minimize direct sunlight moderating the temperature inside the units.

For two days I experienced the benefits of living uptown at Primavera Residences, Cagayan de Oro’s only eco-friendly condo building that also happens to be recognized internationally for its sustainable and green architecture and construction. In February this year, the legendary National Geographic Magazine cited the developers of Primavera Residences, Italian architect Romolo V. Nati and Filipino lawyer Jojo Leviste as The New Philippine business leaders.

What an honor for our city to be renowned worldwide because we are the first city to host this pioneering real estate project, a building that is not only eco-friendly but also built to withstand extreme weather like typhoons and earthquakes.

Families that choose to make a life in this condo building are sure to have much peace of mind. It’s very safe and it is located very high at 110 meters above sea level, making it flood-free, and just beside the mall, the best schools in the city, multinational companies, shops, restaurants and spas.

I’d also like to cite a couple of good things at Primavera Residences that I know many people will find very interesting and exciting.

The building is designed not just with passive green features that leads to 20% energy savings and smaller carbon footprint, but soon will be installed with active energy-producing solar panels, which will increase the residents’ energy savings further.

Passive cooling techniques used at Primavera include an inner courtyard that combined with each units’ cross-ventilation layout, enhances natural airflow and optimizes natural light. This lessens air-conditioning use and reduces the need for artificial lights.

The towers are also designed to have cantilevered edges, the part of the building painted a shade of brown, that produce shadows that minimize direct sunlight moderating the temperature inside the units.

When I noticed the window shadings, I asked about them and and I was informed by my tour guide that they weren’t just design elements to make the building look nice but a passive design feature to maximize cooling.

If you’ve noticed, each window-shading section is positioned somewhat differently from the others – this is because they are positioned for the different times of the day where the sun would shine at certain spots. The cantilevers were placed there to provide the shade needed so the sunlight will not hit the insides of the units directly.

Isn’t that cool?

The building will also use an active on-site energy generation from photovoltaic or solar cells which will soon be installed on the roofs of both towers. This will increase energy savings further.

You can experience the life at Primavera Residences as a condo unit renter, unit owner, or business owner. When I examined the rates I saw with surprise that the rates are practically the same, maybe even more affordable than the other condos in the city that are still just pre-selling. I was told by the building’s general manager that ITPI Corp. the developer, had actually absorbed a portion of the cost of development to keep costs down for buyers.

You can also drop by anytime and you will not regret it. Many activities are now being hosted at Primavera Residences, organized by the property management as a way to engage and give back to the community.

Tired of losing electricity from power shortage? Tired of high electric bills? Want to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle in CdO at a very affordable cost? Click here.

Where In Cagayan de Oro Can You Enjoy An Indoor Salt-Water Swimming Pool?

Posted by Primavera Residences on March 4, 2014

At Primavera Residences, we got a taste of a relaxing lifestyle. My mom and son totally had a fun time swimming. Who wouldn’t? It’s just awesome to have a pool in one’s home!

There are many health benefits from swimming. It improves the health of the heart, muscle tone and strength. It also keeps us fit. Once a body is submerged in water, it becomes lighter. This means the pool is an ideal place to work off stiff muscles and sore joints. The overweight or those with arthritis will find swimming a more ideal exercise.

In my 29 years of living in Cagayan de Oro City, I’ve never experienced living in a place with an indoor pool (not counting public pools hotel pools). Then last year, I heard about Primavera Residences –the country’s internationally-awarded green building. It is a two-tower 10-story residential and commercial building in the center of uptown Cagayan de Oro. With an Italian minimalist elegance, it has world-class amenities like a pool, gym, CCTV cameras, fire alarms and detectors, 24-7 security, and twin elevators. One of the amenities that caught my attention is the indoor salt-water pool.

Located on the third floor of Primavera Residences Tower 1, the 4 X 8 X 1.219 all-natural saltwater swimming pool produces its own chlorine through a salt chlorine generator, the most sought after system of alternative pool sanitation today. I read that this pool is the only one in Mindanao equipped with two hydrotherapy jets at the deep end to maximize the health benefits of the pool.

The jets produce the most lavish, softest sensation in the water, which has a minimal saline level (the equivalent of one teaspoon per gallon of water).

Says general manager Ms. Cheryll Bariga, with a chlorine generator, Primavera Residences does not then have to purchase, transport, or store chlorine, which is much safer for the residents. ” No need to add chlorine manually,” she says.

She further explains that chlorine generators create a better, healthier swimming experience for most people, unlike in standard chlorinated pools where swimmers experience drying of the skin and reddening of the eyes. “Residual chlorine will always be present in the pool, eliminating algae. This makes it nearly impossible to get burning red eyes from chloramines, the usual culprit.”

What’s more, a Jacuzzi will soon be installed. A Jacuzzi is really good for physical and mental health. According to health studies, enjoying a Jacuzzi regularly can help reduce stress, relax the body, and release much needed natural happy-chemicals called endorphin allowing the person to detoxify naturally.

Ancient Greek physicians prescribed water therapy to their patients, and even now many doctors still prescribe hot baths, steams, hot springs, and saunas to improve health and cure ailments.

“It is more than just a luxury accessory for our unit owners. Jacuzzi also improves your flexibility, increase muscle endurance and slow down the effects of aging. It is also helpful to high blood pressure patients,” explains Ms. Bariga.

Imagine yourself after a long day’s work, sinking into and relaxing into the heated warm and bubbly water of a Jacuzzi. I know it would be just what I’d need!

At Primavera as guests, we were to get a taste of this relaxing lifestyle. My mom and son totally had a fun time swimming. Who wouldn’t? It’s just awesome to have a pool in one’s home! Whenever one would feel like taking a dip, there will be no need to head downtown to the big sports complex or head to a hotel for a swim. At Primavera Residences, the pool is just an elevator away, or just outside the door (for those amazingly fortunate ones whose units are also on the third floor).

My mom and son having such fun at the pool

Primavera Salt-water Pool Swimming

Swimming with the neighbors

Zaza swimming in the Kiddie Pool

Want to check out the pool at Primavera Residences? Click here.

How To Have Lunch at Primavera Residences, According to Blogger Sanna

Posted by Primavera Residences on February 26, 2014

While hanging out by the Primavera Residences’ poolside, I explored the idea of acquiring a condo unit of my own. I realized that there were so many benefits. Aside from the awe-inspiring features and amenities of the building, benefits include living just a stone throw away from SM City Mall where I could so conveniently shop and buy groceries. Primavera Residences is just one-minute walk away from the mall.

My friend dropped by for a visit so we showed him around the condo building. He too was wowed by every spot that we showed him. He couldn’t stop himself from taking photos. After the quick tour, we decided to cook-in for lunch and experience being a true resident by buying groceries at SM and cooking a meal at our condo unit. Our unit had a wonderful kitchen with an exhaust. We opened the windows and we felt a gentle wind coming in from the bay. The wind carried the scent of cooking out to the other window. Now I know what cross-ventilation means!

Upon setting food and table, we said our grace and had a sumptuous lunch together with our guest. We talked about the possibility of making our dreams come true at the soonest. We also talked about how convenient and practical living at Primavera Residences is given as how the city’s top schools are just nearby. Restaurants like Jeanette’s Pizza and Barkadahan are also nearby.

Uptown also hosts many business offices . For sports, Pueblo de Oro’s golf course is nearby. To top it all off, downtown isn’t that far away. It’s just one ride away to and from uptown.

After our lunch we concluded that living our Primavera dream could be closer to reality than we think. The rates are basically the same or lower than offered by other condo developers in the city. The really nice thing about Primavera Residences is that it’s ready for occupancy. No need to wait for years until we can claim our investment.

Do you know that you can recover from your purchase of a condo unit and earn from it by renting it out? Find out more by clicking here.

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

Posted by Jane on February 25, 2014

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.

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

Posted by Jane on February 24, 2014

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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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.

What’s the View Like from Primavera Residences?

Posted by Primavera Residences on February 18, 2014

In the days I spent at Primavera Residences I was able to enjoy wonderful views that took away our stress upon bedtime.

Zaza looks out through the window of our condo unit at Primavera Residences.

When one decides to buy a place to stay for some time or for the rest of their lives – one should consider what they would see in each and every day of their waking and sleeping. Would it be something inspiring, soothing, or simply enjoyable, giving a nice start to the day.

In the days I spent at Primavera Residences I was able to enjoy wonderful views that took away our stress upon bedtime. How can I forget that wonderful sunrise lighting our room the next morning and the beautiful lights of the nearby residences all around. The skies showing off the stars before we went to bed was also a very pretty sight.

The unit we stayed in had a wonderful view of the Macajalar Bay. The windows were beside the dining area. While at breakfast we opened the blinds to clearly see the view. We also slid open the windows so we can take a breath of the fresh air of uptown CdO.

Our bedroom windows opened to the view of the different subdivisions nearby. Each side of the building faced different views so when you decide to acquire a unit, consider checking out the different views from the building’s balcony and windows.

When choosing a unit – consider the views from the windows. How much natural light comes in during the day and what view that would inspire you throughout the day.

Bedroom of another unit with natural lighting

Breakfast by our unit window

Want to check out the views from Primavera Residences? Click here to arrange a free tour.

Why Do You Need A Green Inner Courtyard in Your Home?

Posted by Primavera Residences on February 11, 2014

While on a tour at Primavera Residences, my son, mother and I were brought to a green inner courtyard on the 3^rd floor of the Tower A building just a few steps away from a gym and indoor salt-water pool. As our tour guide explained, the inner courtyard improves the building’s natural ventilation.

So, it got me asking. Why is ventilation so important? I figured, since ventilation is an abstract concept – many people do not consider it important. But, as our tour guide explained, good ventilation is very important anywhere we live or work. I did some research on this and what I found out made me admire Primavera Residences even more.

From what I’ve read, poor ventilation leads to an increased risk and/or is injurious to ones health as it forms allergens, bacteria, viruses, smoke, mold, mildew, fungus, and gases, in the atmosphere.So we wouldn’t want that, right?

Primavera Residences has got this planned out. If you hang out at the inner courtyard – you will notice that there is a cross-ventilation layout all the way to the roof top. Air passes through the sides and into the green inner courtyard, where warm air rises towards open space. Also helping to keep things cool is the greenery in the courtyard. Plus, the building’s facade has window shading which minimizes the amount of direct sunlight reaching the units.

What else is to love about the courtyard at Primavera Residences? Besides being cool, with fresh air, you can see the stars at night from there. Lie down on the grass, and make a wish on as many stars you can see.

Category: Experiences

Sunset at Primavera Residences

Broker’s Team Building

Where to Set Up Business in Cagayan de Oro?

Living in uptown Cagayan de Oro for two days really had a huge effect on me. Experiencing all that Primavera Residences had to offer for both the environment and the residents was an amazing experience.

Primavera Residences has a weekly Wednesday Wellness that includes Zumba and other fun activities. Interested to join? Click here.

How Does Primavera Residences Keep Itself Cool and Save on Energy?

The towers are also designed to have cantilevered edges, the part of the building painted a shade of brown, that produce shadows that minimize direct sunlight moderating the temperature inside the units.

Tired of losing electricity from power shortage? Tired of high electric bills? Want to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle in CdO at a very affordable cost? Click here.

Where In Cagayan de Oro Can You Enjoy An Indoor Salt-Water Swimming Pool?

At Primavera Residences, we got a taste of a relaxing lifestyle. My mom and son totally had a fun time swimming. Who wouldn’t? It’s just awesome to have a pool in one’s home!

Want to check out the pool at Primavera Residences? Click here.

How To Have Lunch at Primavera Residences, According to Blogger Sanna

Do you know that you can recover from your purchase of a condo unit and earn from it by renting it out? Find out more by clicking here.

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

My Surprise Proposal at Primavera Residences

What’s the View Like from Primavera Residences?

In the days I spent at Primavera Residences I was able to enjoy wonderful views that took away our stress upon bedtime.

Zaza looks out through the window of our condo unit at Primavera Residences.

Breakfast by our unit window

Want to check out the views from Primavera Residences? Click here to arrange a free tour.

Why Do You Need A Green Inner Courtyard in Your Home?

Interested to spend some time at the green inner courtyard of Primavera Residences? You’re very welcome! Click here.