Start Your New Year Right with Eco-friendly Resolutions

Posted by Stefan on

NYR

To open 2015 with a bang, New Year’s resolutions could bring hope of new beginnings and a fresh start. A lot of people are beginning to look at what they would like to achieve this year, while there are a number of traditional resolutions adopted from the past years such as to lose weight, get a new job, buy a home, to mention some. However, there are also various non-traditional resolutions which can be made.

As you sit and ponder what 2015 may hold, take a few minutes to look over the following list of 10 green New Year’s resolutions worth embracing. Whether you adopt one, a few or all 10 of them, resolving to be greener in the upcoming year is something worth doing.

  1. Separate your waste into materials that can be recycled, those that can be composted and those to throw away. If not, you can donate them to those in need of extras, I believe there’s a lot of them.
  2. Set up a garden, either indoors or out, so you can grow your own fruit, vegetables and/or herbs. Your compost can help you get started.
  3. Spend at least 30 minutes a day outdoors. Chill, relax and live life as how you wanted it.
  4. Schedule time each day or week where you and your family go unplugged. This way, you can lessen your home’s electricity consumption.
  5. Make sure your washing machine, dryer and dishwasher are full before you run a load.
  6. Reduce water consumption by limiting shower time, making your toilets low-flow, turning off water while brushing your teeth, etc.
  7. Drive less. Leave your vehicle at home at least one day a week (or more). Walk, bike, take the tricycle or opt for other means of public transportation to get where you need to go.
  8. Improve your overall health by resolving to eat fresher, raw foods and less pre-packaged, processed foods.
  9. Switch to reusable products. Ditch one-use or disposable products.
  10. Lower the level of indoor air pollution in your home by adding more plants, airing out your home regularly, using natural homemade cleaners and making your own candles or air fresheners.

These are just simple green tips to live a sustainable life from Mother Nature Network.

Adding these to your resolutions for the year will get you off to a good start on living a greener, more sustainable life.

Here’s hoping this year is your greenest yet!

Planning to travel to Cagayan de Oro? Check in into the only eco-friendly serviced residences in Mindanao for your short-term and long-term accommodation requirements.

Primavera Residences, the first and only multi-awarded eco-friendly property in Cagayan de Oro, is an advocate of sustainable living. For more green tips, click here.

A Round Up of December News and Events at Primavera

Posted by Stefan on

DMR
Happy new year!

As we enter 2015, Primavera is proud to offer more good news, promos and event opportunities not only for Kagay-anons, but for Filipinos and investors all over the world. The last month of 2014 has not only paved ways to pursue our advocacies but also offered investment and career opportunities for everyone. Also received awards that cemented Italpinas’ lead in pioneering sustainable development in Northern Mindanao.

Here is a look at the news and events last December.

  1. Italpinas Chairman cited among BizNews Asia’s Top 24 CEO in Ph

BizNews Asia, the country’s largest weekly business and news magazine, celebrates its 13th anniversary by honoring 24 of the Philippines’ leading CEOs and business tycoons at InterContinental Manila last November 25, 2014.

Also previously listed to be one of the Most Influential People in the Philippines by BizNews Asia, Italpinas Chairman, Dr. Jose “Joey” P. Leviste, Jr, is now cited as one of the 24 leading CEOs in the country.

This story appeared in several publications in the city.

  • Gold Star Daily

  1. Primavera holds Christmas art exhibit with renowned CDO artists

Christmas is a season for merriment, feasts and giving. Last December 9 to 27, 2014, Primavera offered the gift of art with an exhibit entitled “Season’s Paintings at Primavera.” Viewers were treated to a feast for the eyes that also warms the heart and nourishes the soul.

The collection of small to medium sized works range from representational to nonrepresentational and rendered in styles from abstract cubism and expressionism to surrealism and realism. The artists use a variety of materials from the traditional, such as oil and acrylic, to wood and mixed media.

This event was well-covered by media with stories published in different media.

 

  • Gold Star Daily

 

 

 

  1. Primavera conducts clean up drive for National Volunteer Month

Last December 13, 2014, Primavera Residences personnel have come together in support of the building’s advocacy to a clean and green environment.

In celebration of the National Volunteer Month with the theme “Volunteering for the Environment”, Primavera Residences took the opportunity to care for the environment by successfully conducting a clean-up drive around Pueblo de Oro Business Park’s Trade Street and areas nearby.

Below are some photos and media mentions of this update.

 

 

 

  1. Primavera Provides FREE 3-month Learning Program With Real Estate Expert

Primavera Residences is looking for a roster of future sales professionals to join our growing list of highly-qualified real estate sales partners with high impact training with a renowned real estate expert, Mr. Jun Garing.

The career orientation started last December 2014 and will be followed by series of orientation every Saturday until March 2015. Registrants will be invited to a weekly learning session from 9am to 12nn at 2/F Primavera Residences, Pueblo de Oro Business Park, Cagayan de Oro City. First batches of orientation are scheduled on the following Saturdays of December 2014 and January 2015: December 27, January 3, January 10, January 17, January 24 and January 31.

This story also appeared in the following news:

 

  • SunStar Cagayan de Oro

 

  • Gold Star Daily

 

 

  1. Italpinas offers FREE Real Estate Sales Opportunities for Jobseekers

Italpinas Euroasian Design and Eco-development Corporation (ITPI), an Italian-Filipino design and real estate development firm that specializes in the design and development of sustainable buildings, is giving those unemployed and underemployed a chance to grow with the booming real estate industry in Cagayan de Oro.

No experience necessary as high-impact coaching with a renowned sales expert is provided, but smart appearance, good communication skills, the desire to be your own boss and a willingness to learn new skills are essential.

This story appeared in some local papers and blogging sites.

  • Business Week Mindanao: http://issuu.com/sudaria_publications/docs/bwm_december_22__2014

 

  • Gold Star Daily

  1. Asian Dragon Magazine features ITPI Executives

In the spotlight of the November-December 2014 issue of Asian Dragon magazine is a feature story on Italpinas Euroasian Design and Eco-Development Corporation (ITPI), a sustainable real estate developer and the passion behind the executives’ vision for green developments.

The first bilingual business and lifestyle magazine in the Philippines, Asian Dragon reports on ITPI’s journey into the real estate industry with Chairman/CEO Arch. Romolo V. Nati and President Atty. Jojo D. Leviste and an in-depth story of the premier eco-friendly condominium development in Cagayan de Oro, Primavera Residences.

This story also appeared in tsadagyud.com.

Follow Primavera Residences in Facebook or visit www.primaveraresidences.com to stay posted with news and events from the country’s premier eco-friendly property.

Italpinas Offers New Year’s Treat to Buyers

Posted by Stefan on

Buon Anno Nuovo! Are you looking for an investment this 2015? The New Year is a good occasion to re-evaluate your portfolio and start hunting for promising new investments. As an early gift this new year, Italpinas offers P75,000 discount to the first 5 buyers only for the month of January 2015.

“New year is the best time to make a fresh start and new beginning. Wouldn’t it be great to live in your own place (if you are just renting) or think of renting out your unit to earn more? This is the best time to do that wise move. Invest and own a condominium unit and be one of the lucky few to enjoy its numerous advantages,” Gladys Echano, VP for Sales, said.

Currently, Primavera Residences’ furnished units are being rented out and managed for short-term and long-term rentals, as part of its In-house Asset Management Program. Due to the success of this program, a large number of clientele are requesting for more rentable units, bringing in more investors for its income-generating opportunities.

Located in Pueblo Business Park in uptown Cagayan de Oro, Primavera Residences is in the middle of many important establishments, like SM CdO, universities, a world-class golf course and many more. Being located uptown also means that your property is in a flood-free, and therefore, a safer zone.

“For this new year, Italpinas is offering P75,000 discount for the first 5 buyers this January, This is our Buena mano treat aside from the discount upon reservation. You won’t regret investing at Primavera because by January 15, 2015, your investment will appreciate since there will be price adjustments for both towers 1 and 2,” Echano declared.

Primavera Residences, developed by Italpinas Euroasian Design and Eco-development Corporation – a sustaining member of the Philippine Green Building Council – is the first eco-friendly condominium in Northern Mindanao. Its unique modern design, conceptualized by multi-awarded Italian architects, is a perfect mix of form and function rewarding you with a beautiful home that can sustain itself, helping you save on your electricity bills.

“Apart from the fact that we already have a few units left, we are the only one here in the CDO real estate industry, offering a promo of this magnitude. Which is on top of our very competitive prices. Indeed, we sell something eco-friendly that we want to add more value to the buyers’ purchase; that they [buyers] will not just earn big time, they also help the environment in a bigger note” Franz Enriquez, Sales Manager, emphasized.

Primavera Residences is known for its energy-saving features including cantilevers that protect the units from direct sunlight and an indoor courtyard that maximizes the natural ventilation in the area. By June of 2015, solar panels that will provide additional energy for the building’s common areas will be installed on the building’s rooftop. The building is also designed to withstand earthquakes and extreme weather and offers 24-7 security.

The green building has garnered several recognitions for its commitment to green architecture and design locally and internationally. Recently, it was named among the winners in the prestigious International Property Awards in the 2014 Asia Pacific regional competition being the Best Mixed-Use Development in the Philippines. It was also been awarded as the Best Condo Development in the Philippines in 2011 (Southeast Asia Property Awards) and a finalist in the Most Promising Clean Energy Investment Opportunity of the Year (CTI PFAN Philippines Clean Energy Investor Forum).

For more information on Primavera Residences, visit its website at www.primaveraresidences.com  or call (088) 880-5002 or 0917-794-2221.

Italpinas Offers Career Advancement with Real Estate Expert

Posted by Stefan on

It is that time of the year again! This is the time to take stock of the year gone by and make plans ahead.

The start of a new year is the perfect time to perform a career health check. You’d be surprised at how easy it can be to break through into professional satisfaction. Whether you’re an undergraduate, recent graduate or a seasoned veteran, now is your chance to take control of your career and bring it forward. Now is your chance to be an effective sales professional.

This coming January 3, Saturday, is perfectly your time to enter a new industry, learn from the expert, advance your career and break through into the real estate market. Join the second batch of the 3-month real estate training for free. The orientation will start at 9am at the 2nd floor of Primavera Residences.

Italpinas Euroasian Design and Eco-development Corporation (ITPI), an Italian-Filipino design and real estate development firm that specializes in the design and development of sustainable buildings, is giving everyone a fresh start this new year with a chance to grow with the booming real estate industry in Cagayan de Oro.

No experience necessary as high-impact coaching with a renowned sales expert is provided, but smart appearance, good communication skills, the desire to be your own boss and a willingness to learn new skills are essential.

Whether you’re looking for a full-time work or a part-time job to supplement your income, this could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for as you will be coached by the leading expert in real estate selling, Mr. Jun Garing.

Jun Garing is a prominent sales trainer and motivator who has trained more than 100,000 salespeople for the past 30 years. He installed corporate systems of selling to over top 1000 corporations nationwide. Recognized as one the Outstanding Salesmen in the 1976 and 1977 and from then on, he has received numerous awards and citations from various sales and marketing associations in the country and nearby Asian regions. He is also the first Filipino certified trainer of Motorola University on Sales Training in 1995 and authored the first book on selling: The Filipino Art of Breakthrough Selling.

ITPI’s premier eco-friendly development, Primavera Residences is looking for a roster of future sales professionals to join our growing list of highly-qualified real estate sales partners.

The country’s premier sustainable real estate developer will provide the following:

  • A FREE training program with industry expert Mr. Jun Garing
  • Real-world, hands-on training on condominium-selling with guided coaching and assistance from established Cagayan de Oro realty firms
  • Guaranteed sponsorship of real estate agents’ licensing for top-performing participants

Starting this December 27 to March 2015, registrants will be invited to a weekly orientation at 2/F Primavera Residences, Pueblo de Oro Business Park, Cagayan de Oro City. First batches of orientation are scheduled on the following Saturdays: December 27, January 3, January 10, January 17, January 24 and January 31. Orientation is at 9am to 12 noon at 2/F Primavera Residences.

What are you waiting for? You can be your own boss as the booming real estate industry in Cagayan de Oro needs you now.

Registration may be done through the following, via Facebook at www.facebook.com/CondoPrimavera, through emailing sales@italpinas.com or by calling 0917-864-4011 (look for Stefan).

You may also sign up online at: bit.ly/1D7KmIP

To know more about Primavera Residences, go HERE.

 

Starting a Business? Choose your Business Location Right

Posted by Stefan on

Considering Cagayan de Oro City’s positive economic outlook and favorable business climate, thoughts of self-employment inevitably spread like wildfire. This may be especially true if the city you are in is booming with investments while you are not currently employed. Starting your own business and being your own boss can be incredibly satisfying and fulfilling, however, one important thing to consider is choosing the perfect business location.

The most important decision a business owner will make is choosing the right business location. It requires precise planning and research which involves looking at the demographics, assessing your supply chain, weighing the competition, staying on budget, and understanding laws and taxes to mention some.

Here are some tips to help you choose the right business location.

Most businesses choose a location that provides exposure to customers. Additionally, there are factors that also needs to be considered, for example:

  • Brand Image – Is the location consistent with the image you want to maintain?
  • Competition – Are the businesses around you complementary or competing?
  • Local Labor Market – Does the area have potential employees? What will their commute be like?
  • Plan for Future Growth – If you anticipate further growth, look for a building that has extra space should you need it.
  • Proximity to Suppliers – They need to be able to find you easily as well.
  • Safety – Consider the crime rate. Will employees feel safe alone in the building or walking to their vehicles?
  • Zoning Regulations – These determine whether you can conduct your type of business in certain properties or locations. You can find out how property is zoned by contacting your local planning agency.

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

Primavera Residences, a mixed-use development which is located in Uptown Cagayan de Oro, is the first-ever eco-friendly condominium project in Northern Mindanao. Specifically located at Pueblo de Oro Business and I.T. Park, Primavera Residences is enclosed with 24/7 security. Surrounded with nearby leisure and entertainment areas, the building is just a walking distance to SM City CdO.

Primavera Residences is offering residential, commercial and office spaces for lease and purchase. All units in the first tower are ready for occupancy while the second tower is slated to be completed early next year. Buyers may choose from studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units.

For more information on Primavera Residences, visit its website at www.primaveraresidences.com  or call (088) 880-5002 or 0917-794-2221.

 

PHL Among Key Growth Areas for Retail Real Estate in Southeast Asia – CBRE (GMA News)

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According to the report from GMA News, the retail real estate in the Philippines is among the key growth areas in Southeast Asia. Its increasing middle class segment, positive economic growth outlook and growing tourism activities has brought the Philippines, along with SEA countries Vietnam and major cities in Indonesia and Malaysia, a key growth market for real estate.

CBRE Asia Pacific cites that Southeast Asia’s middle class segment is expected to triple to 1.74 billion in 2020 from 525 million in 2009 and is expected to drive demand of retail goods and eventually translates to economic growth.

“In the Philippine landscape, these factors look promising. The resilience of the economy has been tested and proven this year, bouncing back quarter per quarter. Likewise, the country’s tourist attractions and opportune business landscape has continuously been boosting investor interest,” CBRE Philippines chairman, president and CEO Rick Santos said.

Outside Metro Manila, secondary Philippine cities start to develop malls and mixed-use project in anticipation for the boom of the retail industry in the Philippines.

These mixed-use developments will accommodate the demand for shopping and food convenience near their residences or offices.
“The presence of more restaurants, coffee shops, and even convenience stores, shows that more Filipinos have the capacity or purchasing power to shop and dine,” Santos said.

 Read full report here.

Home for the Holidays

Posted by Stefan on

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” as Andy William’s song goes.

Millions of Filipino people currently work overseas. As Filipinos, we  know how painful it is for  OFWs to be working away from their families to help provide them with a better life. And many haven’t seen their loved ones for several years now.

As Filipinos, we always look forward to this season. As parents, we hope for our family to be intact: to take the opportunity to make up from the time we haven’t spent with our children. As kids we looked forward to the joy of the season: all the cool stuff we would get, all the great food and treats, and lots of time to just enjoy the season with the family.

These memories are imprinted into our mind and are revived every year with the sounds and sights of the holidays. For most, it’s a special time of year, one in which we celebrate and connect with those closest to us.

This holiday season, it is best to spend quality time with your kids. Christmas is a good time to teach your family, especially children about values like love, compassion, giving and sharing. This is the perfect time to include the whole family in different Christmas activities like baking cookies, decorating the house and the tree and wrapping up gifts, to mention some.

Come up with games that your family might enjoy. In fact, it is a good idea to go shopping together, where you can make your kids choose their own gifts. Buy groceries together and just enjoy the company you might have missed for a long time.

The key here is to give yourself a break and to spend maximum time with your family. A family Christmas is the best kind of Christmas and once you have had a good one, you will make it a point to enjoy every future Christmas with your family.

Primavera Residences is a family-oriented multi-awarded development in Cagayan de Oro. The building consists of amenities and facilities both parents and children will enjoy. Its location and eco-friendly features add up to what most parents would want in a home—flood-free zone, 24/7 security, and it could save up to 20% of electricity consumption.

Click here to know more about Primavera Residences. 

Rhaine Pepito: Passion for Volunteerism

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“I couldn’t express the happiness I feel whenever I extend myself to those in need. I find fulfilment when I bring happiness with the little deeds I do and I am very humbled to have the privilege of making people smile by just sharing my time and attention,” Renato “Rhaine” Pepito, Founder of Child Protection Brigade Volunteers Organization, shared.

Renato Rhaine Pepito, a 29 year-old Social Work student of Lourdes College enjoys having kids around. After his exposure with Community and Family Services International (CFSI), a humanitarian organization committed to peace and social development, with a particular interest in the psychosocial dimension, guided him to his passion and calling in life to found an all-volunteers organization—Child Protection Brigade Volunteers Organization.

The Child Protection Brigade Volunteers is a group of young people who commit their time and efforts in serving disadvantaged children in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines. Their group provides medical and social services to several children’s groups all over the city and nearby areas.

 The programs of the group include non-formal education, feeding program, and basic first aid to the children who are either living on the streets, in orphanages, or in evacuation shelters.

The Power of Volunteerism

Volunteering allows you to connect to your community and make it a better place to live in. Even helping out with the small tasks in your community can make a real difference to the lives of people and organizations in need.

Dedicating your time to volunteer helps you make new friends, expand your network and boost your social skills. Aside from that, experts report that when you focus on someone other than yourself, it interrupts usual tension-producing patterns that relieves you from stress. It also makes you healthier because moods and emotions, like optimism, joy, and control over one’s fate, strengthen the immune system.

Rhaine, as he is fondly called by the kids he serves, told Primavera Residences how he was able to pursue his passion for volunteerism.

“Basically, I just do what I need to do for the community. Being a volunteer is more than just appreciation and acknowledgement. We serve the larger community without the eyes of the media and other people. We do what we do best and we are happy and proud that we deliver smiles and laughter to those people who are in need. We walk with our hopeful hearts to elevate the future of those disadvantaged individuals and we talk nothing but bringing out the best in them,” Pepito shared.

This December, as we celebrate National Volunteer Month, Primavera Residences personally asked him questions and these are his answers:

Do you consider volunteerism as a life-long career?

“Being a volunteer is a priceless job and no amount of money could ever repay the fulfilment you get from volunteering. I wouldn’t close my doors to other opportunities though, but rest assured that I will forever be serving the marginalized.”

Why is being a volunteer a need in this society?

“Tough question. It is truly a need and a must in our society to have volunteers since majority of our social order around the globe are suffering from different social issues, misery and anguish. With the help and support of volunteers doing community works or individualistic intervention. we can generate great wonders and changes in every person we encounter and come across with. Volunteers are essential and crucial in this generation for they play a vital role and function in our society.”

What do you want to say about being a volunteer?

“There are tons but I’d explain it in the simplest way I can. Being a volunteer is the toughest job, from planning to implementation, from time to effort, from breakdowns to breakthroughs, truly, being a volunteer is tough yet fulfilling at the same time. It’s not just making a difference but it’s something words could ever comprehend. A turning point that will change their lives not just today but also in the future.”

In the case of other volunteers, on behalf of them, what do you want to share?

“On behalf of the volunteers I have met, spoke and worked with, I would simple say: ‘Life is short so make the most of it’. It is just right to share our blessing not just by donation and solicitation. I am also grateful to have shared your time, presence and care to those who are in need.  Thank you for making a difference in this world by doing noble deeds. Let’s continue sharing and inspiring the world to do the same.”

 

This National Volunteer Month, Primavera Residences, an advocate of sustainable development and volunteerism, puts the spotlight on volunteers like Rhaine Pepito who offer their time and effort to support those who need it the most.

Do you have a volunteerism story to share, too? Feel free to comment below.

Share your Christmas Stories with Primavera and Win a FREE Overnight Stay

Posted by Stefan on

Xmas

For many families, Christmas has always been the season of spreading good cheer, quality family time, showing love and compassion to one another and of family bonding. The only time of the year when everybody, from your granny to your great uncle Jim, comes together to eat, drink and be merry.

Surprisingly, there are people nowadays that do not spend Christmas with their families.

This is indeed a sad reflection of our times. But more than this, it is a wake-up call for all of us who have been blessed with a good family and great kids, but are too busy with our professional lives to spend time with them.

This December, as we celebrate the Christmas season, Primavera Residences invites you to come and join us as we give tribute to the people we want to be with on Christmas day.

Starting on Wednesday, December 10 to December 26, we invite you to take a picture with the person you want to be with on Christmas day and write a story why your Christmas is not complete without him/her.

Contest Mechanics:

  • On the following dates: Starting December 10 and 26, we invite you take a picture with the person and start your story with “It wouldn’t be Christmas without…”
  • The story must be in 5-10 sentences only.
  • You can send your entries through a Facebook message at our page:
    • Facebook page: facebook.com/CondoPrimavera
  • All qualified participants are given the chance to share their photos and garner likes.
  • Winners will be determined through the highest number of likes.
  • All photo sharing and garnering of likes will be up to December 26, 2014, 12mn only.

There will be one lucky winner who will get a FREE OVERNIGHT STAY at a 1BR unit at Primavera Residences to complete your birthday wish to be with someone you love in the multi-awarded condominium in Cagayan de Oro.

—

Primavera Residences is a twin-tower 10-storey eco-friendly building located at uptown Cagayan de Oro. It recently won as the Best Mixed-Use Development for the Philippines in the Asia Pacific Property Awards.

For more information, visit www.primaveraresidences.com or call 088-880-5002.

Primavera Holds Christmas Art Exhibit with Renowned Cagayan de Oro Artists

Posted by Stefan on

SEASONS PAINTINGS at PRIMAVERA poster and invitation

Christmas is a season for merriment, feasts and giving. This December 9 to 27, 2014, Primavera offers the gift of art with an exhibit entitled “Season’s Paintings at Primavera.” Viewers will be treated to a feast for the eyes that also warms the heart and nourishes the soul.

The collection of small to medium sized works range from representational to nonrepresentational and rendered in styles from abstract cubism and expressionism to surrealism and realism. The artists use a variety of materials from the traditional, such as oil and acrylic, to wood and mixed media.

“Season’s Paintings at Primavera” features the following Cagayanon artists and other artists from other cities of Mindanao who have made Cagayan de Oro their home: Nick Aca, Renz Altubar, Archie Balcos, Richard Bolotaolo, Romy Cocos, Nonoy Estarte, Chris Gomez, Ivan Macarambon and Nonilo Ramoso.

To spread the Christmas cheer, two guests artists from other cities were invited: Esercazim Sanchez from Zamboanga City and Audie Estrellada from the island of Siquijor.

The exhibition is at the 2nd Floor, Primavera Residences Tower A, Pueblo Business Park, Upper Carmen, Cagayan de Oro.

Primavera Residences has previously featured the artworks of Mr. Nick Aca in a month-long exhibit on March this year. As an advocate of authentic Italian elegance and world-class design, Primavera seeks to promote local art through events that promote and showcase the works of Kagay-anon artists.

“Seasons’ Paintings at Primavera” will officially open on December 9, 2014 at 5 PM. The event is open to the public. For reservations and inquiries, visit facebook.com/condoprimavera or call 088-880-5002.