Do You Think Investing in Cagayan De Oro is Worth It?

Posted by Primavera Residences on February 6, 2014

Investing in Cagayan de Oro could prove very rewarding.

Living in Mindanao has its perks along with frustrations. No, the frustrations do not come from living in dearth and barbarism. What frustrates me is the huge misunderstanding of the dynamics of the supra-region. First and foremost, we are composed of roughly 28 provinces and 10 cities. When there’s a bombing in one part, headlines go trumpeting ‘Bombing in Mindanao’.

Insane.

Now going to the perks, I like the fact that because of the scare, the travelers who eventually reach us actually are smart and informed. Or at least are risk-takers and are most often no-nonsense in their approach.

It is pretty much the same with businesses who are bullish in coming over. Despite the negative media coverage of Mindanao that affects the business climate in Cagayan de Oro from time to time, determined investors have continued to keep faith. They are the ones who have proven resilient and dependable, willing and ready to weather through any sticky situations.

Although the bombing in late 2012 and the tensed environment in the 2013 elections caused some cancellations of international and local gatherings that were supposed to be hosted in the city, Cagayan de Oro’s aim to be a conference hub is still fastidious as before. Already, the tourism sector has started to put together a directory of the city’s establishments along with comments and recommendations so that visitors could easily plan their stay in the city.

Investments that support this industry continue to pour in – expansion and rehabilitation of resorts and hotels, establishment of new restaurants and cafes, and professional training institutions for manpower services. ITPI Corp, an innovative company leading green architecture in the Philippines, has put up Primavera Residences the first green condominium in the city, contributing to the general sustainable real estate development in the Philippines.

Additionally, in the last quarter of 2013, USAid has picked the city to pilot its program initially designed for two years geared to boost investments in the country. With many of its citizens living in the urban centers, the aid institution has thought it appropriate to help in the development of urban investment hubs.

While many babble about how unfortunate it is that we have been lumped together with the conflict-ridden areas in Mindanao, I actually am positive with our situation. Let the others sift through semi-precious stones. The ones that get through to us will get emeralds and diamonds.

Want to know more about Cagayan de Oro’s treasure? Click here.

How Do We Develop a Breathing Space in the City?

Posted by Primavera Residences on January 30, 2014

Who in the city has not experienced traffic jams? Is there any way we can make urban growth friendlier to nature, and to our peace of mind?

I hate commuting during rush hour. Who doesn’t? Sitting in the jeep, a sweaty armpit could rub against my shoulder. Should you have the misfortune of sitting to someone with long hair who is too insensitive to tie it with a band, prepare to be suffocated with that dirty mass of strands.

Reflecting on these scenarios, I have come to realize that these microcosmic instances are actually reflective of what’s happening in the bigger environmental scope. The space in the jeepney is like the space we live in. We cram ourselves into this space even when it is against our nature which is to be free and mobile. Why? Well, because there is the need to transport ourselves from one place to another. In pretty much the same way, people are migrating to urban centers from the rural areas. The economic movement is there. And in this migration, the natural dynamic of beings and of the environment is forgotten, worse, consciously set aside.

As people try to cram themselves into the small spaces of urban centers, the breathing space of nature is reduced. Human needs for comfort take priority, mindless if this is against the law of nature. So now, we are beset with climate change. We latched on mother nature’s resources too fast, too mindless. Can we still do something?

Maybe. We need to go back to the fundamentals – to what is environmentally sustainable. It does not mean we need to go back to the basics. We have come a long way in technological advancement so that we actually have the facilities to bring back the balance between man and nature. There is, for example, a move for a green architecture in the Philippines promoted by sustainable real estate development in the country. Locally, we have the Primavera Residences, the first eco-friendly building in Mindanao. Advancing eco-friendly architecture in the Philippines, the building was designed according to the patterns of nature. Where would sunlight beat the most? Where would the shadows be cast? How can the structure maximize the natural movement of air.

I believe that if we rethink properly our behaviors, it is not impossible to eventually go back to a life in harmony with nature. After all, we had been part of it and we should be part of it.

How to live with Italian Elegance and at the heart of Nature’s Best? Click here to find out.

Condo-Searching In Cagayan De Oro: Why Buy a Phantasm?

Posted by Primavera Residences on January 16, 2014

Primavera Residences is ready for occupancy, for those who want to buy or rent. No need to wait until 2018!

Some years ago, I was offered by a friend a condo unit near our university in Quezon city for ‘pre-selling’. She explained that the building was not yet built and in fact my initial payment would contribute to the funds for construction. Although I was sure it would have been a good investment – with the rising costs of real estate over the years, I was scared to take the risk.

I had so many questions like what if it really doesn’t push through? What if the area is suddenly discovered to be dangerous? Maybe I am not forward-minded enough to grasp investments when I cannot see something immediately but I think it’s a very normal fear.

I am sure it has the same concept as the low-cost housing that is more popular in the provinces. But at least with the house, you see it slowly being built immediately. I do not know how this idea of pre-sold condos has been catching up in cities outside Metro Manila – like here in Cagayan de Oro – when the concept of condo living is not yet that big anyway.

Come to think of it, there are condo units for sale in Cagayan de Oro which will only be done in 2016 or in 2018. While it’s cheaper for me to pay for them now than when they would already be constructed, I don’t think it’s that much of a deal because by that time it is finished, of course real estate prices would have gone up.

Meanwhile, while I was waiting for them to finish, I still have to pay rent in wherever I would be living. I would prefer the structures that are already ready for occupancy – the Primavera Residences located in uptown Cagayan de Oro for example. I see its location is really good – it is near SM and the growing business lifestyle hub around it – and I could know already the problems and conveniences I would encounter if I would live there.

And the condo unit prices are the same and even lower than what’s being offered by others in the market.

I work hard for my money so I try to make my decisions as sound as possible. And for me, I need to see results immediately. It may not be my best trait but it has saved me from so many disastrous consequences a lot of times already. It never hurts to play it safe.

How to find the best condo unit or apartment for sale and rent in Cagayan de Oro. Click here.

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Cagayan de Oro, one of top business-friendly cities in the Philippines

Posted by Jane on December 24, 2013

The first ever green residence in Cagayan de Oro

Here’s a Merry Christmas Insight for all of us in Cagayan de Oro.

The National Competitive Council (NCC) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) recently ranked the most business-friendly cities in the country and the results are very interesting. Based on a competitiveness index composed of 30 weighted indicators, it was Cagayan de Oro City in Misamis Oriental that came out on top, together with Iloilo City.

The results were presented by NCC private sector co-chairman Guillermo Luz at the Regional Competitiveness Summit held in Makati City on July this year. Aside from the competitiveness index used, the cities and municipalities were also ranked using three other factors: Economic Dynamism, Government Efficiency, and Infrastructure. Based on those three factors, Cagayan de Oro was also rated as one of the top cities in two out of the three categories: Government Efficiency and Infrastructure.

Other cities and municipalities in Mindanao were also mentioned in the top spots. These are Butuan City in Agusan del Norte, Koronadal in Soccksargen, and San Francisco, Agusan del Sur.

These recent findings only mean to say that the government’s efforts to realize the potentials of Mindanao are starting to bear fruit. Cagayan de Oro is now teeming with possibilities and opportunities not only for business but for real estate investments as well. Immense growth can be visibly seen in the past few years as businesses continue to thrive, infrastructures pop out everywhere, development sites are booming, and more and more people are attracted to the city either to visit or to permanently relocate.

Among the top class real estate developments in the city is the two 10-story towers constructed by the green energy company Italpinas. Primavera Residences is located at the heart of uptown Cagayan de Oro, in Pueblo de Oro Business Park, and it is the first ever eco-friendly and self-sustaining condominium building in the city.

Love to find out more about a business-friendly city in the Philippines? Click here to find out how.

Why invest in the Philippines?

Posted by Primavera Residences on November 2, 2013

Filipino resiliency drives the Philippines’ growth.

There is a positive piece in all this Philippine political drama after all. Of all the Southeast Asian countries, Philippines is rated by US companies as the country having the most improved business climate.

According to a survey conducted by the US Chamber of Commerce and the American Chambers of Commerce in the ASEAN, the Philippines has the thumbs-up of the companies because of a more stable government and a political system, in general. Who would have thought that the spectacle of the government’s fight against corruption – with all its fuss comparable to afternoon telenovelas – is actually benefiting wonders to the economy. Other reasons cited included cheap labor, cheap housing costs, and the slowly but still improving infrastructural developments. The current business climate is indeed a good set-up for investing in the Philippines.

Although not stressed by the survey, I believe what is more noteworthy of the country is the Filipinos’ resiliency. This can be seen in Northern Mindanao for example, particularly in Cagayan de Oro. The city was badly battered when it was caught unaware by the first typhoon it experienced for more than five decades. Indeed, nothing can replace the lives that had been lost in the tragedy. But the city learned from it.

When Pablo came, the residential areas that had been affected by Pablo were evacuated, each family already expecting the deluge. Businesses and institutions have identified better and safer locations in the city, and operations are adjusted to easily flex in times of severe weather disturbances. Unemployed individuals were trained to have ready manpower in case of need. Even the power shortage of the previous years was studied. Bulk operations were moved to schedules with lesser power load needs. Localized sources for power were identified and developed.

This valuable characteristic of flexibility, coupled with an improved business climate in the country in general, should be the key of Kagay-anons – and the rest of the Philippines, at that – in grabbing the current opportunities to invite investments. Cagayan de Oro, although already a busy city and one of the major economic hubs in the Mindanao region, has still so much potential to still be more.

Interested to invest in the Philippines? Click here for a great investment opportunity in the Philippines!

5 reasons Ms. Primavera rocks

Posted by Jane on October 14, 2013

Beauty queens come and go, but there are those who truly stand out from the sea of pageant winners. Miss Primavera 2013 Kristia Jolina Alde is one of them. With a stellar mix of beauty, charm, personality, and smarts, she’s a certified knockout who is sure to win the hearts of not only the Kagay-anons, but the rest of the world as well.

Here are the top 5 reasons Kristia is a real world-class Kagay-anon beauty.

1. She’s drop-dead gorgeous!

Time to close your gaping mouths, guys, and for Pete’s sake, rearrange those slack jaws! But I can’t blame you though. This girl is sizzling with timeless elegance, loads of appeal, and that undeniably beautiful and classic Filipina look. Aside from Miss Primavera 2013, she was also crowned Miss Silka Cagayan de Oro 2011, as a testament to her flawless beauty!

2. She’s Got a Fun & Fab personality

What’s a pretty face without the great personality to match? Luckily, Kristia has both. With her funny and carefree disposition, positive yet realistic perspective, plus her awesome confidence, she’s quite beautiful in the inside too!

3. Family-oriented? Check!

When style effortlessly blends with substance. Miss Primavera at the Primavera Residences.

She loves her family dearly and looks up to her mom as her main role model in life. Following her mom’s footsteps, she strives to become the selfless, caring, and inspiring woman that other young ladies could look up to.

4. She’s not just a pretty face! She’s smart too!

She’s pretty eloquent and knows exactly what we could do and how we could help Cagayan de Oro reach its potentials as a booming, world-class city.

5. She’s a soon-to-be Civil Engineer!

A true-blue Kagay-anon beauty

Speaking of intelligence, this girl’s surely got the brains to become a kick-ass civil engineer someday. She is currently on her 3^rd year of studying BS Civil Engineering in Ateneo de Cagayan University (Xavier University), and she believes that being a civil engineer is “the most rewarding, hands-on, and people-oriented profession because it makes people’s lives easier”.

No wonder she is crowned Miss Primavera, right? She absolutely embodies the qualities that make Primavera Residences stand out not only in Cagayan de Oro but in the rest of the world. A world-class beauty to match a world-class eco-friendly facility. Simply two of a kind!

Want to see where Ms. Primavera hangs out? Click here.

Category: Insights