Italpinas CEO speaks at FIABCI Asia Pacific Regional Secretariat Summit

 

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Italpinas CEO and executive chairman Arch. Romolo V. Nati was chosen to speak at the 19th Fédération Internationale des Administrateurs de Biens Conseils Immobiliers (FIABCI) Asia Pacific Regional Secretariat Summit held recently at the Marriott Hotel Manila last April 17, 2015.

With the theme “Cities of the Future: Asia Pacific”, FIABCI-Philippines brought together international and prominent speakers in a program filled with timely information pertaining to global real estate.

Speaking before members of the FIABCI community across Asia, Nati talked about the importance of sustainable design in the midst of climate change and the problems plaguing many homeowners in the Philippines. In the real estate industry today, energy efficiency efforts are now becoming an essential component in property developments.

“With both a housing deficit and a power shortage problem prevalent in the country, it just makes sense that the future of design is in sustainability. We need buildings that not only look good, but also function well to help alleviate those two problems. This is why green design is important,” stated Nati.

Nati also explained one of the biggest misconceptions people have about eco-friendly structures being expensive. “A lot of people don’t realize that green, sustainable design can be done without the staggering costs. We at ITPI practice what is called passive green design, meaning rather than use expensive equipment to make a structure green, we incorporate design elements to help, say, lower the cost of energy,” he explained. “This way we can make the units affordable for the middle class,” he added.

Primavera Residences, ITPI’s flagship development, is a primary example for sustainable development. The 10-storey mid-rise twin tower is a winner of the 2014 Asia Pacific Property Award for Best Mixed-Use Development in the Philippines. Located in Pueblo de Oro Township in CdO, Primavera Residences is modeled after an anthill with a hollow column in the middle of each tower allowing air to enter and circulate, creating a chimney effect that helps cool down the building, lowering air conditioning and electricity costs.

“Power is one of the key issues in Mindanao, so it just made sense, especially in that area, to have energy-saving features. This can be seen as a benchmark for energy-efficiency. If we can do it in Cagayan de Oro, we can do it for the rest of the country,” Arch. Nati emphasized.

Primavera Residences’ Tower 1 has been completed while its Tower 2 is 90% complete.

Do you want to know more about Primavera Residences? You may contact (088) 880-5002 or 0917 794 2221. You may also visit their website by clicking here.

Primavera Launches Credit Card Facility for Rental Payments

Payments via Credit Card Now Accepted @ Primavera Residences

As an added option for easier and secured payments for clients, Primavera Residences launches their credit card payment facility with BPI. Starting April 29, 2015, rental payments for short-term or long-term stay can be made through the credit card equipment.

“We are pleased to announce that Primavera Residences is now accepting credit and debit card payments for its rentals business. Our credit card facility is primarily for the convenience of our customers. Giving them another option of payment, and as one of the ways in ensuring our service is top-notch,” Franz Enriquez, ITPI’s Leasing Manager, said.

Primavera Residences is a 10-storey eco-friendly condo property in Pueblo Business Park in Cagayan de Oro. The property has serviced residences with hotel-like services, less expensive and homier options for vacationers and travelers.

“Initially, we are offering this service to the rentals business of Primavera Residences, and will soon pan out to include payment for the sales of our units as well,” Enriquez expressed.

Located in the prime spot of Pueblo de Oro Business Park in Uptown Cagayan de Oro, Primavera Residences, a multi-awarded sustainable development, is just a short walk from one of the city’s biggest malls, a short drive to Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club, and Xavier Sports and Country Club. The green building is also minutes away from the city proper with public transports available.

“This summer season, we shall be coming out with exciting promos soon that will cater to a larger market segment, offering the same exceptional service and reasonable cost,” Enriquez said.

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. It has received numerous awards locally and internationally for commitment to build sustainable properties.

Do you want to know more about Primavera Residences and its facilities? You may reach them at 0917 794 2221 or (088) 880-5002. You may also visit their website here.

 

South China Morning Post features ITPI Executives

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In the spotlight of today’s issue of South China Morning Post (SCMP) is a feature story on Italpinas Euroasian Design and Eco-Development Corporation (ITPI) and the company’s passion for sustainable developments in second-tier cities and regions in the Philippines.

Discovery Reports, together with SCMP, reports on ITPI’s efforts in offering investors a strategic inroad to the unrecognized yet hyper-prospective secondary places in the Philippines.

“We engage ourselves in secondary cities because we have seen that the big opportunities are now outside Metro Manila,” says Romolo Nati, ITPI’s chairman and architect. “There are more than 7,000 islands in this country, and hundreds of thriving cities that need sustainable mixed-use development.”

ITPI is an Italian-Filipino company that designs and develops sustainable property developments nationwide and Primavera Residences, its flagship development in Cagayan de Oro, recently won in the 2014 Asia Pacific Property Awards in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Fusing Italian design and Filipino culture, ITPI creates high performance properties while protecting the natural environment. Taking inspiration from nature and cultural and social conditions, and integrating this into architectural design, the company brings an unprecedented philosophy to Philippine real estate.

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“Environmentally friendly living must not be made expensive,” says Jojo Leviste, ITPI’s president. “If a building is designed to perform, then natural elements at its location can deliver results that would otherwise consume energy such as simultaneous cooling, lighting and ventilation.” The company’s first project, the Primavera Residences in Cagayan de Oro, attests to this.

Primavera Residences reduces energy consumption and living costs with solar panels, strategic channeling of natural airflow, and shading features that are designed according to the sun’s paths at the building’s precise latitude. Targeting the country’s rising middle class, most of the development’s units cost less than US$100,000.

ITPI is aiming to expand in Northern Luzon, Batangas, and the Visayas. The company is also working on its initial public offering (IPO) in a bid to attract foreign investor interested in the Philippines. “We want to be recognized for staying true to our values and to the passion the moved us from the very beginning,” Nati says. “We are proof that a company can do good while still being profitable,” he continued.

Do you want to know more about the multi-awarded development, Primavera Residences? You can call 088-880-5002 and 0917 794 2221 or visit our website here.

 

5 Reasons to Swim this Summer Season

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It’s summer time and it is just perfect to indulge yourself with safe and healthier swimming adventure. Swimming is a great recreational activity for people of all ages. Swimming can also provide you with a low-impact workout and it’s also a good way to relax and feel good.

So, get to the pool and dive right in here to learn more about the health benefits of swimming.

  1. Helps you manage your weight 

Swimming breaststroke for 30 minutes will burn approximately 367Kcal, depending on your weight and speed. That beats walking, which burns only 99Kcal in the same time, cycling, which uses up 240Kcal in half an hour, and even running at 6mph, which burns 300Kcal.

  1. Better mood and lowered stress levels

No matter what your level, swimming can make you feel better. In America, a study was made involving 100 swimmers and found out that both novice and intermediate swimmers felt significantly less tension, depression, anger and confusion after exercising than before. It may be because swimming, like other forms of exercise, stimulates the release of feel-good hormone serotonin. Also, swimming helps release stress and tension since it helps them feel mentally refreshed.

  1. It is low-impact

Since 90% of your body weight is buoyant when you swim, you only bear 10% of you weight. This allows for greater ease of movement with less strain placed on bones, joints and muscle.

  1. It is sweat-free 

Your constant movement when swimming generates up to 85% of your body heat but since water is cooler than your core body temperature, you never feel over-heated of get sweaty because water helps you cool down while you move around.

  1. It is good for your heart

As you swim, the water that surrounds your body exerts pressure which helps your circulatory system return your blood to your heart. According to Zoe Cooper, the demand on your heart is reduced by up to 17 beats per minute or 13% compared to someone execising on land.

In Cagayan de Oro, only Primavera Residences offers all-natural saltwater swimming pool as the first of its kind in Mindanao. It is made even better with a spa seat equipped with two hydrotherapy jets at the deep end.

Located at the 3rd floor of Primavera Residences Tower 1, the 4 X 8 X 1.219 produces its own chlorine through a salt chlorine generator, the most sought after system of alternative pool sanitation today. Through a minimal saline level in the pool water (the equivalent of one teaspoon per gallon of water) and salt conversion cell, it produces the most luxurious, softest feeling water imaginable – everyday, the natural way.

Do you want to know more about Primavera Residences swimming pool? You may click here.

Misamis Oriental: The Home of Eco-adventure Destinations

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Photo by vigattintourism.com

When it comes to beaches, springs, adventure parks, and a whole lot of escapades, Mindanao, the second largest chunk in the Philippine Archipelago, is the haven you’ve been looking for. One of its provinces is endowed with scenic places and natural wonders and Misamis Oriental is probably the best eco-adventure destination in the Philippines.

The province of Misamis Oriental is undeniably one of the right places to be for those who are after some adventure with nature. It is rich in natural resources, both underwater and on land, and it’s also the gateway to the entirety of Mindanao.

The breathtaking sunsets at the Agutayan Island in Jasaan, the underwater spring at Duka Bay Resort in Medina, the amazing land and underwater activities in The Mantangale Alibuag Dive Resort in Balingoan, are just some of the great jump-off points to more than a dozen adventure and diving sites. Misamis Oriental is home to terrific swim and snorkel spots. Good coral growth and strong currents make the waters of Misamis Oriental the ideal habitat for an array of plant and animal marine life.

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If you’re also into trekking and some land adventure, there are centuries-old trees at the Lasang Secret Adventure Eco-Tourism Park and breathe some fresh air while learning about the tribal cultures of Mindanao at the Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village.

Misamis Oriental is also a special place for Catholic pilgrims. The Divine Mercy Shrine, located in El Salvador City, has a 50-ft statue of Jesus as the Divine Mercy. Also, Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine in Cagayan de Oro City lets you cross 9 rivers to get there.

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Photo by flickr.com

Dubbed as the “adventure capital” in the Philippines, Cagayan de Oro City also offers the thrill of escapades and adventures.

Do you need a place to stay for your Cagayan de Oro vacation? Check out the units for rent at Primavera Residences! You can choose between sunrise or sunset view from your very own picture-perfect balcony and window for a thoroughly relaxing vacation. For more information, click here or contact 0917 794 2221 or (088) 880 5002.

A Round Up of March News and Events at Primavera

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Are you ready for the summer heat?

As we welcome the month of adventure and fun, Primavera Residences celebrates with you as we offer more enticing news and events, and promos for you and your loved ones. March has been a fruitful month for Primavera that has opened more opportunities to reach out to the larger community and exciting promos to the market.

As a pioneering condominium development in Northern Mindanao, it is our pleasure to present to you the news and events we had last March.

  1. Italpinas offers graduation promo for March buyers

In time for the graduation month, ITPI offers special discounts worth P70,000 to its condominium buyers. In addition, buyers with graduating family membrs may also avail of an additional P5,000 worth of gift certificates, which can be claimed at Bigby’s SM City CdO Branch.

This promo appeared in several papers in the city.

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  1. Mindanao pushes for more renewable energy supply

During the recent 5th 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. 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).

This great news was published in different media outlets in Mindanao.

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  1. Primavera, BWM promote local news to condo renters

Primavera Residences recently established a partnership with the Business Week Mindanao Group, providing its clients with a daily supply of relevant business news and current events in the region.

This news appeared in BWM papers Mindanao-wide.

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  1. Primavera, Smart Infinity, The Wine Cellar host ‘A Privileged Encounter’

Primavera Residences recently partnered with wireless leader Smart Communications through its premium brand Smart Infinity in hosting an exclusive event dubbed ‘A Privileged Encounter’.

Held last March 19 at the La Rondine Hall of Primavera Residences, the event featured an art exhibit by Biswal Mindanaw and wine-tasting by The Wine Cellar. The affair was graced by Mayor Oscar Moreno and VIP clients and guests of Smart Infinity, Primavera Residences, as well as members of The Wine Cellar’s Wine Club.

This event appeared in many publications and landed to some of the papers’ front pages.

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  1. Primavera supports Habitat as they build resilient and sustainable homes in Calaanan

Primavera Residences staff and its realty partners, as a long term partner of Habitat for Humanity, helped inbuilding more resilient and sustainable homes at Calaanan, Brgy. Canitoan last March 28, 2015.Dubbed as “Building for a better planet”, the house building activity was organized to support the National Women’s Month and WWF’s Earth Hour 2015.

This event was supported by different stakeholders in the city has appeared in countless papers in the city.

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Follow Primavera Residences in Facebook to stay posted with news and events from the country’s premier eco-friendly property. You may also visit their website through clicking here.

Primavera Supports SM City Cagayan de Oro in Leading Earth Hour Activity in Uptown

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For an hour, the city has gone dark for the planet.

While the world has switched off their non-essential lights last March 28, Cagayan de Oro has showed their support through different activities during the Earth Hour.

Sustainable developer Italpinas Euroasian Design and Eco-development Corporation (ITPI) has once again partnered with SM City Cagayan de Oro in this year’s Earth Hour. With the theme, Change Climate Change, ITPI’s Primavera Residences has been in the frontline in making a statement to promote sustainable solutions to homes and property developments in decreasing the escalating effects of climate change.

Uptown CDO celebration of Earth Hour 2015

Together with the world, Primavera Residences supports SM City CDO as they led the switch off ceremony at SM’s Las Ramblas Parking Area last Saturday, March 28. The event was participated by green advocates in the city and was entertained with different local talents.

Earth Hour is an international organization initiated by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) that aims to raise awareness and encourage people to take part in fighting against climate change. The Philippines has been an avid supporter of Earth Hour since 2009 that it consistently earned the title of Earth Hour Hero Country after it has topped participation records from 2009 to 2013.

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In the photo are Ms Eileen San Juan, DOT-10 Regional Director Catalino Chan, and Executive Vice-President of Cepalco Ralph Paguio.

In an opening statement by the Local Economic and Investment Promotions Officer, Eileen San Juan, she stated that this year’s theme is just fitting for our city, “In a vulnerability study in 2013, it pointed projected climate changes in the city—increase in temperature, rain volume is considerable high, storm surges and strong winds, flashfloods and even landslides are now happening in our city.”

In terms of the city’s resiliency, CDO is proud to be part of the 10 cities in the world in UN Habitat’s City Resilience Profiling Program, “This provides the tools in reviewing the various records of disasters in coming up for our city’s resilience action plan,” San Juan expressed.

In Uptown Cagayan de Oro, Primavera Residences has been actively promoting green advocacies in the city and has won numerous local and international awards for its eco-friendly architecture. Featuring the best principles of passive cooling technology: shadow and sunlight control, wind cooling and shape performance, the project has been cited as one of Asia’s top 10 clean energy projects because of its capacity to help residents save as much as 32% on overall energy consumption.

“Climate change did not happen as if nothing caused it. We are all part of it. We ought to face the reality that we should all be resilient. Let us all set aside our personal agenda and encourage everyone to take part in changing climate change,” San Juan concluded.

Do you want to know more about CDO’s first and only sustainable condo development and its advocacies? You may click here.

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Primavera Supports Habitat as They Build Resilient and Sustainable Homes in Calaanan

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Primavera Residences staff and its realty partners, as a long term partner of Habitat for Humanity, helped in building more resilient and sustainable homes at Calaanan, Brgy. Canitoan last March 28, 2015. Dubbed as “Building for a better planet”, the house building activity was organized to support the National Women’s Month and WWF’s Earth Hour 2015.

Habitat for Humanity Philippines (HFHP) is a non-profit organization that serves Filipino families in need of decent homes. In the Philippines, HFHP has been in the forefront in building homes for the underprivileged, especially to those who have lost their homes because of strong typhoons.

“In Cagayan de Oro, we already have built almost 6,000 houses in 13 resettlements sites. All of our recipients are survivors of the different typhoons, especially those who were affected by Typhoon Sendong which destroyed most of our people’s homes,” Lerma Bernadette Reyes, Project Head for CDO Operations, Habitat for Humanity Philippines, expressed.

In this particular resettlement site in Calaanan, these single-detached houses are not made by mere cement but structured it with sustainability in mind using bamboo. “This design was adopted from the homes we built in Bohol. These are resilient-type of housing that could withstand up to 220-kph storm. Bamboos are known to be strong, resilient, and affordable too,” Reyes added.

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Homes for the underprivileged

“Currently, these typhoon-resilient homes are all over CDO. We have 200 units in Opol, 132 units in Pagatpat, and here at 73 under construction units here in Calaanan,” Reyes proudly shared.

Through the support of the multi-awarded developer of Primavera Residences, Italpinas Euroasian Design and Eco-development Corporation, Habitat for Humanity was able to provide homes to 20 families in the resettlement site in Pagatpat, Cagayan de Oro.

“We are extremely happy that Italpinas is fully supporting Habitat and the city in providing homes for the community. Right now, Italpinas donated 20 units that are already being occupied by 20 delighted families in Pagatpat,” Reyes said.

Primavera Residences has been actively promoting green advocacies in the city and has won numerous local and international awards for its eco-friendly architecture. Featuring the best principles of passive cooling technology: shadow and sunlight control, wind cooling and shape performance, the project has been cited as one of Asia’s top 10 clean energy projects because of its capacity to help residents save as much as 32% on overall energy consumption.

Do you want to know more about Primavera Residences and its advocacies? You may call 0917 794 2221 or (088) 880 5002. You can also visit their website by clicking here.

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Earth Hour: More than just a Global Switch-off

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March 28, 2015, Saturday.

All homes and establishments across the Philippines will go dark on Saturday evening. Earth hour, as the annual lights-out event is called, will happen this Saturday, March 28, from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm.

Earth Hour began in 2007 in Sydney, Australia, when the World Wildlife Fund organized 2.2 million people to dim their lights to signify their concern for the planet. Since then, the event has grown immensely. Then in the later years, Earth Hour 2013, the event drew participants from 7,000 cities and more than 150 countries and the Philippines is one of them.

The Philippines has been an active participant in this global grass roots movement since 2008 with the participation of known business establishments, schools and individuals. Led by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in the Philippines, Earth hour aims to unite the world to take action for the planet against climate change.

More than just a switch-off

In 2014, Earth Hour became the world’s largest crowd funding and crowdsourcing movements. It has supported many projects including the construction of fiberglass boats in the Philippines. Because of this, the Philippine government is inviting all Filipinos to participate in this year’s Earth Hour and take part in changing the world for the better.

This year, according to DENR Sec. Ramon Jesus Paje, funds raised through Earth Hour will be used to provide portable solar lamps to remote communities in Palawan which are not connected to any source of electricity.

Though the whole situation of climate change won’t be solved after an hour, the organizers believe switching off from our usual wasteful habits and switching on to clean, renewable energy paves more possibilities to a better future.

Yes, Earth Hour is more than just a global switch-off.

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Italpinas Euroasian Design and Eco-development Corporation’s (ITPI) flagship sustainable condominium development in Cagayan de Oro, Primavera Residences, fully supports the goals of Earth Hour. Being one of Cagayan de Oro’ green advocates, the green building is designed with eco-friendly features that help reduce the residents’ electricity consumption.

Do you want to know more about the Primavera Residences and its advocacies? You may click here.

PH Real Estate Industry Expected to Boom this 2015

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For the past years, there has been a consistent upward trend for the country’s real estate industry and its constant growth seems to go on this 2015.

Developers and analysts have kept a positive outlook and have foreseen a better and exciting real estate industry in 2015. Major factors such as the ASEAN integration, investment upgrade, the higher demand on BPOs and OFWs are solidifying the real estate market this year.

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The rising BPO industry fills up most office spaces in the country. These significant boost is all because of the recently achieved investment upgrade which gave confidence to multinational corporations that are looking for more investments and branching out in the country.

Hongkong and Singapore will be branching out to the Philippines as the ASEAN integration paves way for the office real estate sector in the country. This year, the main challenge for the office market would be keeping up with the demand when more international and ASEAN companies begin seeking properties in the country.

Last 2014, several corporate plazas and buildings are pre-sold and turned-over across the country. Currently, there is a fresh batch of supply being developed, and a weighty number of units will be turned over within the year. These business hubs are vital in spreading the economic growth in the country.

Commercial

The commercial sector in real estate is expected to boom this year. The corporate bigwigs have continuously raised the bar by expanding and upgrading many of their world-class malls and hotels. International brands, on the other hand, are finding their way in the country. Much like the office real estate sector, the ASEAN integration will rake in more brands to invest and put up their branches within the country.

Other players are also planning to step up their game in 2015. The retail industry are planning to invest billions in the next five year. With the continuous growth on OFW remittances, the Philippines have stepped up in BPOs and consistent in economic growth.

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The Chamber of Real Estate and Builders Association (CREBA), the country’s largest organization of key players in the domestic real estate industry, sees the Philippines grow further because of the ASEAN integration and the region’s increasing role in the global economy.

As the ASEAN integration will transform the economic landscape of the whole region, the demand for residential spaces adjacent to malls, retail centers, and other recreational spaces would rise since the elimination of tariffs on goods and services by a single ASEAN economy could drive consumers spend higher.

Currently, there is a sky-rocketing demand coming from low- to mid-income markets. Buyers from this bracket are purchasing properties as end-users, not as investors. Driving this demand are retirees and OFWs who are either planning to settle back in the country, or are purchasing for their family members.

The BSP recently announced that they will be releasing a housing price index in 2015 to prevent the property market from overheating which also support the increasing demand that keeps this sector flexible.

Are you looking for office, commercial or residential spaces? You may visit Cagayan de Oro’s first and only sustainable condo property, Primavera Residences. Click here for more information about the property or you may call 0917 794 2221 or (088) 880-5002.