What to Look Forward to in Uptown Cagayan de Oro?

Posted by Stefan on March 6, 2015

Dubbed as ‘The Emerging City of Tomorrow’ by the UN Habitat, Cagayan de Oro is consistent in achieving its goals in sustaining the city’s economic growth and upholding sustainable expansions in property developments.

Uptown Cagayan de Oro is a developing residential township and business center. With the surge of upper class communities and commercial hubs, Uptown CdO brings another sense of the city’s residents– a sense of ownership and pride to residents living within its area. You can now hear people saying “I live in Uptown” bringing in the sense of class and wealth.

According to Lorens Ziller, CEO of Multiplata Investments, with Uptown Cagayan de Oro becoming an emergent residential and business center, it has become the Makati of Northern Mindanao. “Though Uptown CdO is still underrated but it is well-recognized by those who count and can afford to live in upper class communities like Xavier Estates and within the Pueblo de Oro Community,” he adds.

What’s next for Uptown CdO?

UN Habitat and its planned city extension (PCE) program ‘Achieving Sustainable Urban Development’ (ASUD) has paved the way to transform uptown CDO’s landscape to a highly urbanized yet sustainable district in Cagayan de Oro.

ASUD pursues its PCE program in Barangay Lumbia. ASUD aims to link the urbanized downtown to its uptown area considering it also connects the gateway to province of Bukidnon, providing an inter-provincial transport hub for the trade and commerce of agricultural goods.

With this in mind, Uptown Cagayan de Oro will soon become another district of entertainment and leisure.

Planned sustainable urbanization for CdO’s uptown

With the surge of plenty well-developed subdivisions and an expanding condo scene, from Xavier Estates to Primavera Residences, the uptown is the place to be for those who are looking for a sound real estate investment.

Uptown Cagayan de Oro has a lot in store for us. Aside from its vibrant yet peaceful scenery, the city government is planning to build a sports complex for varied sports activities of the Department of Education (DepEd) also in Barangay Lumbia.

Among the amenities will be the athlete’s quarters, swimming pool, and track and field oval, to mention some. This aims to prepare athletes to various competitions in athletics.

With these plans for the uptown, the city extension area can absorb up to 25 percent of the city’s growth over the next 30 years.

The booming city of Northern Mindanao is one of three Philippine cities being supported by the USAID under the Cities Development Initiative (CDI), which aims to empower secondary cities as engines of national growth.

Italpinas, a CDO developer

Italpinas Euroasian Design and Eco-development Corporation (ITPI) is a leading CDO eco-developer in the Philippines that aims to develop sustainable properties in secondary cities in the country. ITPI’s flagship condo development in Cagayan de Oro, Primavera Residences, is the first and only sustainable condominium in Northern Mindanao. Located in Uptown Cagayan de Oro, it has received numerous awards locally and internationally for commitment to build sustainable properties.

According to ITPI’s President, Atty. Jojo Leviste, “While we realize the challenge brought by this new competition, I believe we can effectively meet that challenge by retaining our development’s persona as a Cagayan de Oro original, of a company that recognized CdO before the competition did,” Atty. Jojo Leviste, ITPI President, as he proudly shares this bold move to put up Primavera Residences that made an impact to Uptown Cagayan de Oro’s growth.

To know more about Uptown CdO’s first and only sustainable condominium development, Primavera Residences, please click here.

Primavera Turns Over Educational Books to Cagayan de Oro RFC

Posted by Stefan on March 4, 2015

For the past 2 months, CDO Rugby Football Club has been actively seeking for educational book donations that would benefit schools in the remote areas of Papua New Guinea. In support of this eco-friendly project, last February 27, Primavera Residences turned over unused encyclopedias and textbooks donated by its employees to CDO RFC Coach, Noel Villa.

“It is my pleasure to donate these encyclopedias for those kids in need. We are blessed to have one click away in the internet, and that instead of displaying these [encyclopedias] at home, I’m sure these books will benefit the larger community of Papua New Guinea,” Alexa Maandig, PRCC staff, who shared a complete set of encyclopedia and other books.

Books, apart from its physical considerations, are best when it comes to reading comprehension. A study found out that literacy building in children is more effective with printed books. It helps build focus on the lessons, stories, and the opportunities for interaction between the child and the parent reading the book together.

“My deepest gratitude for Primavera for fully supporting us in our endeavor to help the schools in some remote areas in Papua New Guinea. This helps a lot in rebuilding the community to further promote education and livelihood,” Noel Villa, Coach of CDO RFC, said.

Primavera Residences, the first multi-awarded eco-friendly property in Mindanao, has been actively promoting its advocacies that, for sure, will help us lead a sustainable lifestyle. It is located in a master planned community in uptown Cagayan de Oro and was built in 2009 and has been effectively in the forefront of green advocacies in Cagayan de Oro.

Do you want to know more about the building’s advocacy? Click 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.

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.

Cagayan de Oro Developer Hosts Condo and Car Fair

Posted by Stefan on February 27, 2015

Last February 25, Italpinas Euroasian Design and Eco-development Corporation (ITPI) together with Hyundai Philippines, successfully conducted a condo and car fair at the grounds of Primavera Residences in Uptown Cagayan de Oro.

At exactly 9AM, Italpinas and Hyundai welcomed guests with treats and a grand tour of the multi-awarded Primavera Residences followed by a free test drive of Hyundai’s car displays. Displayed Hyundai vehicles were Tucson, Eon and 2014 Best Mini Car of the Year (Car Awards Group) awardee, the Grand i10.

While ITPI is committed to developing sustainable properties in alternative cities, Hyundai is a brand also known to create automobiles with eco-friendly automotive technology. Geared towards dealing with sustainable companies, Hyundai is aggressively expanding its nationwide dealership and Italpinas is just one of the brands they recently partnered with.

“This successful event with Hyundai is a positive sign that people are becoming conscious of climate change. Not only has the desire for fuel-efficient increased, interest in eco-friendly properties are also rising,” Gladys Echano, ITPI Sales Director, said.

Primavera Residences has received several recognitions from international award-giving bodies because of its green features and high-performance design that works with nature instead of against it. Its latest award is the Best Mixed-use Development in the Philippines in the 2015-2015 Asia Pacific Property Awards.

“Owning a condo and a car was a brand of luxury before, but nowadays, it has become a way of life. A necessity that is worth investing in. Both Primavera and Hyundai offer a brand that is energy-efficient and that meets the needs of the buyers while being good on the environment,” Michael Gaabucayan said.

Primavera Residences is an Italian-designed green condo development located in Uptown Cagayan de Oro developed by ITPI. It is Cagayan de Oro’s first eco-friendly mixed-use development comprised of residential, commercial, and office units for purchase and rent. All units are ready for occupancy.

Do you want to know more about the Primavera Residences and its events? You may click here or call 088-880-5002/0917 794 2221 for more information.

Italpinas to Hold Post-Valentine Condo and Car Fair

Posted by Stefan on February 21, 2015

This coming February 25, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Italpinas Euroasian Design and Eco-development Corporation (ITPI) together with Hyundai Philippines invites everyone to a Post-Valentine Condo and Car Fair at Primavera Residences. Guests will be entitled to a free building tour and test drive at the grounds of Primavera in Uptown Cagayan de Oro.

ITPI is known for developing sustainable properties in alternative cities. This month, to treat its clients and guests, ITPI or Italpinas partnered with Hyundai Philippines, a brand also known to create automobiles with eco-friendly automotive technology. Hyundai is aggressively expanding its nationwide dealership network as the company is geared towards dealing with sustainable companies.

“ITPI always stands behind its eco-friendly advocacy because we know that this is what the world needs today. With its similar vision, Hyundai is the perfect fit for Primavera, which we are exploring starting with this partnership event.” Gladys Echano, ITPI Sales Director, said.

Primavera Residences, ITPI’s flagship condo development in CdO, is known for its passive eco-friendly architecture that is designed to maximize natural ventilation and lighting. Its exterior walls are fitted with window-shading cantilevers, preventing direct sunlight from hitting the glass façade, thus ensuring a lower temperature even at the hottest hours of the day. The property also features a green inner courtyard that acts as a natural chimney, forcing warm air to move upward.

“This coming Feb 25, guests are treated to a free tour of Mindanao’s first multi-awarded eco-friendly property, Primavera Residences. Not only that, guests are also entitled to drive Hyundai’s eco-friendly automobiles,” Echano added.

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai automobiles in the Philippines, is currently the third top ranking automotive firm in the country. Thrice hailed as Hyundai’s Asia-Pacific Distributor of the Year (2005, 2006, and 2008), and Hyundai Global Distributor of the Year 2010 in less than a decade of its operations, HARI boasts of a 41-strong dealer network, superior after-sales, dealer and customer relations support, and a desirable roster of best-selling vehicles, including the Grand Starex, Tucson, Santa Fe, Genesis Coupe, i10, Elantra, Accent Sedan, Accent Hatchback, Sonata, and EON.

Primavera Residences, on the other hand, has received several recognitions from international award-giving bodies because of its many green features. Its latest award is the 2014-2015 Asia Pacific regional competition of the prestigious International Property Awards in the Best Mixed-use Development category for the Philippines.

Do you want to secure free tickets for this activity? Hurry! Please call 0917-794-2221, 088-880-5002; or get in touch with ITPI’s accredited realty partners and agents.

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.

5 Useful Tips to Maximize Your Space

Posted by Stefan on February 10, 2015

The rising cost of the real estate assets in the Philippines is generally based in two things: location and size. Especially for properties in prime locations, it is sometimes necessary to downsize in order to achieve a cost-effective investment. In this case, for a condominium unit.

A typical condo unit in the Philippines comes in different sizes and structures that are expectedly smaller than our usual homes, however, this does not imply that condo occupants need to sacrifice the comfort of their property.

Living in a studio or a small apartment (pad) can be quite difficult. There’ll be little space for desired furniture and appliances. This challenge somehow gives the owner an idea to hire professional interior designers, but we know that this can be very expensive. With just the right amount of planning and organizing, maximizing the space in your unit and apartment could be put off easily.

Here are some 5 useful condo design ideas that can maximize the space and make it visually bigger:

Buy things that are dual purpose

Before resorting to any cheats to create an illusion of space, think first of ways on how you can actually make space. Double-purpose furniture, such as sofa beds, allow you to accommodate guests for daytime chit-chat and night time sleep over, without actually wasting space on added furniture. There are also sofa tables where extended chairs are available which could save you a lot of space in your home.

Store things neatly

Small things, when put together, can be potentially big. Your usual clutters may eat up your tabletop and floor space when not arranged accordingly. These refer to your small belongings, cleaning items and tiny figurines and decors.

You may look around for potential storage spaces. Under your bed, a secret cabinet under your couch, or buy a stool that has hidden drawers or compartments. The space under the staircase may be used for shelves and cabinets to hide bigger items such vacuum cleaner and baby stroller.

The brighter, the bigger

Perhaps the most basic step in creating a grand optical illusion is to maximize light. Proper lighting combines the right use of natural and artificial lights. Use lamps to bounce off light towards the ceiling, making it appear higher. Using corner spotlights, instead of a center chandelier, provides added brightness and more visual space. For spotlights, consider using LED bulbs for an energy-efficient home design.

Choose vibrant colors for your furniture

Neutral base paint that matches neutral furnishings can be very dark and boring. Bright and eye-catching furniture such as sofa, throw pillows, curtains and carpets can add texture to your space. It also lets you see the amount of space you have in your unit or apartment.

Looking through

Put on light-colored, thin draperies to allow guests to look through your windows, creating an impression of the outside view as an extension of your home. What’s better than visually pushing back the walls? You can also let the mirror do the trick. Mirrors never fail to create an illusion to make your space look wider. Use them in living room and hallways. Putting these ideas together essentially points out one thing – allow people to look through.

On May 24 last year, Primavera Residences in partnership with Truly Wealthy Realty and interior designer Anna Christina Sagarbarria began a series of workshops that tackled how to maximize small spaces. For details on upcoming events and learning sessions, like the Primavera Residences Official Facebook page or visit www.primaveraresidences.com.

Tag: eco-friendly building