City Tourism Council Honors Stakeholders through “Pasalamat”

Posted by Stefan on March 11, 2015

“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.

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 2^nd 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.

Mindanao Pushes for More Renewable Energy Supply

Posted by Stefan on March 9, 2015

During the recent 5^th 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.

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.

The Making of Primavera’s Cantilever Edges

Posted by Stefan on March 4, 2015

On my way to the office, I overheard two passengers talking about the “brown lego blocks” of Primavera Residences. Their conversation was in Bisaya so let me translate it in English.

Person 1 (P1): I really find that building unique. But isn’t it really costly to include those brown blocks for the building’s design?

Person 2: I heard it’s a condominium. People call it “The Lego House”. Haha.

P1: But those brown blocks, do you find it really necessary?

P2: For a design? I guess so. It makes it unique, a head turner.

But as much as I’d want to interrupt and answer them, let this blog post explain what those brown blocks are and how these are uniquely designed to promote the building’s eco-friendly features.

Cantilevered edges

Primavera Residences, a multi-awarded sustainable building in Cagayan de Oro, is designed by its own CEO and executive chairman, Arch. Romolo V. Nati. His designs were incorporated with a passive green energy strategy which led both towers to have this shading system that produces shadows minimizing the entry of direct sunlight moderating the temperature inside the units.

These cantilevered edges and brise soleils are one distinct feature of the building’s façade that create shades to reduce the entry of the sun’s heat, consequently slashing the need for air conditioning.

Shadow control

The facades are surrounded by brise soileils (shelters) that protect the windows and glass surfaces from direct sunlight, especially during the hottest time of the day. These reduce the overall internal temperature of the units in the building.

It is also designed in a way to use the building components—floors, slabs, projections and balconies—as shading devices for windows and terraces, that in turn are built in appropriate dimensions that reduce overheating and glare effect of up to 80% more than in conventional buildings. Even window sizes are strategically adjusted, south-facing windows are smaller than those on the opposite side of the building, to control the amount of the sunlight heat’s entry into the units.

In fact, when it comes to saving energy, you get to control and even minimize your own energy consumption because the entire building itself is designed to be energy self-sufficient. Because the cantilevers help reduce heat, unit owners can minimize their use of air-conditioners, thus saving energy and electricity costs of up to 20%.

This is just one of the eco-friendly features why Primavera Residences is internationally-awarded. While most commercial properties are too focused on generating revenue, the green building was built with a far more significant purpose geared towards caring for the environment.

Unit owners don’t just own a condo at this eco-friendly property; they also become promoters of sustainable living and advocates of the environment

Do you want to live in an uniquely-designed and eco-friendly home? Primavera Residences offers condo units for rent and for sale in Cagayan de Oro. You can visit is through clicking here or you can call 0917 794 2221 and (088) 880-5002 for more information.

The Debate Between Condo or House and Lot

Posted by Primavera Residences on March 3, 2015

This article originally appeared in BusinessWeek Mindanao March 2, 2015 issue in the business column Out of the Biz Box.

When it comes to choosing where to live (buy or rent doesn’t matter) I keep on assisting an apparently eternal debate between Condo and/or House/Lot. In Metro Manila, this debate has already evolved to a clear understanding about the indisputable advantages condos have compared to house and lot.

My neighbours, when I used to live in Manila, were actually from Cagayan de Oro. They were living in a gorgeous 3 bedroom unit at a higher floor and were overall a very nice couple with 3 kids. During one of our food and wine tasting evenings we used to have from time to time they shared with me reasons why they decided to buy in a condo rather than a house/lot. They explained to me that as a family the main reason was safety followed by ease of maintenance of the unit, the modern amenities and a very convenient location near to work. I realised that, compared to other parts of the world, decisions about location and type of accommodation is based on considerations that go beyond practicalities.

Interested in knowing more about people’s motivations, I started asking other Filipinos about their experiences and thoughts and so I discovered that many of those who decide to go for condos do so because they fear burglars frequently present in sub-divisions, the inconvenience of needing a car at all times even for buying a litre of milk, the damages caused by typhoons, flooding or other adverse weather conditions.

Especially those who actually live abroad like foreigners married to Filipinas or OFWs often feel abused by the continuous repairs and maintenance fund requests by their caretakers or relatives. Understandably a house has much more maintenance needs than a condo. I could relate to that since I did own houses in the past and I understand that there are water pumps that break, air-conditioning that don’t work, leakages from the roof, pipes that burst, plants that need to be watered and many more things that need continuous care and maintenance.

There was one time when I had just rented my family house in Dubai to an Arab tenant, when he rang me up complaining about the air-conditioning not working. So I sent in some repair guys and they had to replace two pumps. A week later he called again for the water pump. A week later he called again for a leakage in the bathroom. This went on for 3 or 4 months after which he even refused to pay rent until it was all replaced and fixed. It all sounded crazy to me but as the owner I had the responsibility to repair and replace defective parts. I spent nearly as much money in repairs as this guy was paying in rent. This incident convinced me that, unless I was living in the house, I would never again want to own one to rent it out to someone else. But this is only my personal experience and could have been only bad luck.

In fact there is a bright side to a house/lot though. I do miss those times where I was inviting my friends over for an outdoor BBQ party in my garden or where I enjoyed sitting outside and work looking at the palm trees, my baby banana tree and all the rest of the planted greenery. It felt nice but now, years on, I just enjoy closing the door of my condo unit behind me and relax, being able to live worry free for all the time I want to stay away. If I come back after 6 months or 1 year at least I am sure that all my things are still there and that there is no repairs and maintenance works to do. That’s just peace of mind. Priceless. On top of that most condo developers offer a property management service which could take care about the rental of the unit in my absence shall I wish to make some money while I am abroad. This is probably most convenient for OFWs or pure investors. These units are then rented out fully furnished and are completely looked after by a professional team.

Understandably everyone has different needs and dreams in life so personally I don’t have a prejudice between house/lot, condo or even hotel apartment. I can only talk about my personal experiences. It is clear though that a condo lifestyle has certain advantages and it is spreading more and more into the Filipino countryside, out of the main hubs of Manila, Cebu and Davao. Fortunately there are now additional options developers in secondary offer to its clients including in cities like Cagayan de Oro.

Italpinas Offers Graduation Promo for March Buyers

Posted by Stefan on March 2, 2015

In time for graduation month, Italpinas Euroasian Design and Eco-development Corporation, developer of 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.

“This is the right time to celebrate the academic success our children have achieved. In return for all the hard work and efforts they exerted in school, Italpinas encourages buyers to give graduates the gift of independence they deserve as they move forward to a new chapter in their lives. This March, we offer not only a huge discount but also a graduation blowout at Bigby’s SM CDO branch,” Gladys Echano, Sales Director, said.

Graduation is not only a major milestone for students, but also an indication of how parents were able to succeed in equipping and giving the best they have to offer to their children. This turning point in their lives needs to be celebrated with the entire family and given the appreciation it deserves. For this, Primavera Residences has the perfect gift and celebration promo in store.

“Sooner or later, our graduates will need a breath of fresh air. They will soon ask for their independence. This is the perfect time to invest at the first sustainable condominium development in CdO, Primavera Residences,” Echano expressed.

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.

Because of its eco-friendly features, Primavera Residences won its latest award at the 2014 Asia Pacific regional competition of the prestigious International Property Awards in the Mixed-Use Development category.

Potential unit buyers can call or visit Primavera Residences for inquiries and present a proof of graduation upon unit purchase to avail of the additional graduation treat. The graduation blowout may be claimed exclusively at Bigby’s SM CDO branch from March 1 until April 30 only.

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.

Entrepreneur Magazine PH Cites CdO as one of The “Three Surprising Cities that are Best for Business”

Posted by Stefan on February 26, 2015

Entrepreneur Magazine Philippines, a prominent business and economy magazine in the Philippines, dubbed Cagayan de Oro as one of the “Three Surprising Cities that are Best for Business” in the mag’s February 2015 issue.

Together with the cities of Iloilo and Naga, Cagayan de Oro has once again raised the bar for being cited as a city of good economy and an emerging business center.

Labelled as “The Speedster”, data show that business registration processing and business permit renewal could be done in less than an hour making Misamis Oriental’s highly urbanized city rake in almost 18,000 business registrations as of 2011. This success has brought in more tourists and investors in the city amounting to the total investment of P1.34 billion in 2014.

The consistent rise of Northern Mindanao’s economy fueled a remarkable upsurge of 94.4 percent in the region’s employment rate which can also be attributed to the consistent efforts of the city’s Public Employment Services Office (PESO).

In 2014, Cagayan de Oro made it to the top list of the Philippine’s most competitive cities with a score of 49.36 percent after Makati’s 53.24 percent.

“The city government and the private sector have a long standing partnership that has only grown stronger over time and we have worked hand-in-hand, enduring trials and enjoying triumphs together,” Eileen San Juan, the city’s local economic investment promotions officer, said.

She also said that Cagayan de Oro is primed to be strategic as the city aims to be the business, eco-tourism, agro-processing, and leisure hub in Mindanao.

In the wake of the devastating calamities that hit Cagayan de Oro in recent years, the city has bounced back and continued its positive growth. “Its relative peace and order situation provides a context of stability that will propel the city towards a significant role in the dynamics and challenges of tomorrow,” she concludes.

Primavera Residences, CdO’s first and only sustainable condo development, is internationally recognized and multi-awarded for its eco-friendly features. Located in Uptown Cagayan de Oro, the green building offers residential and office spaces for sale and for rent.

Do you want to know more about the Primavera Residences? Please click here.

What’s in for Primavera’s FEB-ulous Love Month?

Posted by Stefan on February 20, 2015

Photo from Bigbang Group of XU

How’s your February so far? We hope it is going perfect. This season of love, Primavera Residences celebrates February in its own way with a range of fun activities and engaging opportunities to the public. Through this, we can enjoy Valentine’s not for just a day, but for the entire month.

Well, let’s rewind a little bit of how Primavera Residences has celebrated the love month so far.

1. Since February 1, Primavera Residences launched its Valentine promo, A Sweet Escape, which entitles the clients to a free getaway trip to Dahilayan for 4 inclusive of an overnight stay and free rides after the reservation. Dahilayan Forest Park and Resort is a tourist destination that offers an array of fun activities for the whole family, and for all ages.

2. Aside from the advocacies and ongoing opportunities of ITPI, last February 14, Primavera Residences offered a 1-day treat to everyone. Through the #PrimaveraValentineRoses activity, everyone was encouraged to get a rose from Primavera Sales Office and snap a photo with their loved ones as he/she gives the rose.

To end the month of love, we are offering a once in a blue moon tour and drive of your life this coming February 25. Just wait, see until it DRIVEs you crazy.

So sit back, relax and like Primavera Residences Facebook page, follow its Twitter and Instagram (@primaveraresidences) accounts for more updates.

Do you want to know more about the multi-awarded eco-friendly Primavera Residences, click here.

3 Eco-friendly Presents to Give this Season of Love

Posted by Stefan on February 20, 2015

Once again, the month of love has come and it sure paves a venue for lovers to spend time, prepare for surprises, and arrange their favorite kind of ‘date’. Though it’s a highly-commercialized season, it is still the precious time where people can show how much they care for their loved ones. Though February 14 has already passed, I know you are still hoping to pull-off the last minute surprises you want your loved ones to get.

So here are few simple yet eco-friendly Valentine’s Day tips that could put your gift over the top.

From roses to daisies: If you’re planning to give your loved one flowers, first, make sure to know the meaning behind your flower choice. Getting organic flowers is also a smart idea. Or why not give her a living plant of rose bush that will last longer than those which last only for days or a week? You can always be creative by giving her your Valentine’s gift. Just the though and effort you put into your gift will surely be worth it.

Be as sweet as chocolates: We all know chocolate is an aphrodisiac. It contains an endorphin called phenylethylamine, levels of which in the brain have been linked to falling in love. Then a red rose was believed to be the favored flower of Venus, the Roman Goddess of Love, and has come to represent romantic love. That is why flowers and chocolates take up a good pair of a Valentine’s present to your loved one. Chocolates, on the other hand, do have a few allegedly eco-friendly chocolate brands that you can opt for.

The date of your choice: There will always be people who prefer to treat their loved one in the most sumptuous restaurant, however, there are also those who would want to be more romantic by considering to eat in. Cooking dinner at home for your loved one wouldn’t take much of your budget. With a quick trip to the organic section of your local supermarket and some budget-friendly organic recipes, you’re good to go.

No matter where you are or what you plan on doing, remember that it doesn’t take much to make the love season an eco-friendly one!

Do you want to know more about Primavera Residences’ treats this love month? Click here.

4 Simple Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Your Date

Posted by Stefan on February 13, 2015

Valentine’s Day is the occasion when you can bask in the feeling of being in love and celebrate the glory of being loved.

George Elliot once said, “I like not only to be loved, but also to be told I am loved,” and everyone agrees, as nothing warms the heart more than sweet thoughts and declarations of love on this special day. It doesn’t matter if you choose a grand gesture or a simple one, what matters is the thought and effort you put in.

So here are 4 creative ways to tell your loved one “I love you” not just this Valentine’s Day, but every day .

Spend quality time. Go out to a nice restaurant or cook a special dinner. Cuddle on a couch and watch a movie. No matter what your chosen type of activity is, make sure to focus all your attention on your loved one and try to avoid distractions such as surfing the internet, chatting on the phone, or deciding to do other things by yourself or with another group of people.

Make a homemade card. Your Valentine’s Day card will be more meaningful if it’s personalized. Instead of buying a card from a store, make your own and use your own words to express your genuine feelings. Create a poem or a note telling the person how much you love and appreciate him/her.

Candy, chocolate, and sweets. If you are getting something for a woman, get a small box of sweet treats: it’s a no-fail gift albeit a little cliche. For women, there is a popular saying that says “A way to man’s heart is through his stomach”, cook for them or bake them cupcakes. They’d surely love it.

Express your words with a rose. Red roses are a timeless expression of love. If words fail, there are always red roses to convey your feelings.

To spread love and romance this Valentine’s day, Primavera Residences celebrates the special occasion with the #PrimaveraValentineRoses promo. Come, visit and get a FREE red rose on February 14 and get a chance to win an overnight stay at Primavera.

Not only that, Primavera Residences also offers a special Valentine treat for the whole family as buyers this February will get a free getaway trip to Dahilayan for 4 inclusive of an overnight stay and free rides.

We wish you happiness and love on February 14 and everyday!

Do you want to know more about promos and treats from Primavera Residences? Click here.

PH is Asia’s 2nd Fastest Growing Economy in 2014

Posted by Stefan on February 12, 2015

The Philippines ended 2014 on a high note as Asia’s second-fastest growing economy drawing a full-year GDP growth rate of 6.1%. Increasing from 6.3% to 6.9% in the fourth quarter of last year, the Philippines’ solid economic performance brought the country’s GDP growth rate higher than its expected growth in the last quarter of 2014 making it Asia’s fastest-growing economy next to China.

No longer the ‘sick man’ of Asia

In a media briefing at the Philippine Statistics Authority central office in Makati City, NEDA Director and Socio-economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said that the Philippine economy’s performance for 2014 and the preceding years starting in 2010 shows how the Philippines can no longer be called the ‘sick man’ of Asia. “Our economic growth is becoming more competitive with our East and Southeast Asian neighbors”, Balisacan said.

He added, “The growth in the fourth quarter of 2014 appears to be broad-based as all three major productive sectors –the agriculture, industry and services sectors – have shown positive and robust growth during the period”.

This development led J.P. Morgan to revise its 2015 GDP forecast from an earlier projection of 5.4% to 6.4%.

“Upward growth trajectory”

In an emailed statement to GMA News, Finance secretary Cesar Purisima said that the country’s fourth quarter and full year performance “resoundingly affirm its upward growth trajectory buoyed by strong macroeconomic fundamentals”.

“Despite the challenging external environment in the global economy, both the Q4 and full year growth rates exceeded market expectations, lodging the Philippines firmly among the three fastest growing countries in Asia,” he said.

Balisacan also added that the Philippine economy should hit its target of 7% to 8% for 2015, as more public funds are freed up. Falling oil prices and spending for the 2016 elections would also push the economy upward, he said.

“We believe that our economy has moved into a long-term growth path that 7% is quite sustainable and achievable,” he concluded.

Tag: Cagayan de Oro city