Italpinas soars anew: World Bank’s IFC awards Primavera Residences with its 1st EDGE completed condominium project in East Asia

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IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, the innovator of EDGE (“Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies”), has awarded its green building certification to CDO’s twin-tower Primavera Residences, a mixed-use mid-rise condominium development in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines. The twin-tower building is the flagship development of Italpinas Development Corporation (IDC) in its thrust to build quality and sustainable homes to emerging market cities in the Philippines.

Dubbed to be the first completed condominium project in East Asia, Primavera Residences and IDC take pride in having reached EDGE’s qualifications to be certified.

“This is a proof that IDC delivers its commitments of being a genuine sustainable real estate developer. We maintain our propositions and we are proud to see Primavera Residences be recognized as a green building by an international rating agency which is part of IFC of The World Bank,” Arch. Romolo Nati, IDC Chairman and COO, said.

IFC’s EDGE (“Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies”) is a new green building certification system created for emerging markets. It provides clients with technical solutions for going green and captures capital costs and projected operational savings, in order to prove the business case for building green. While the drivers behind EDGE are financial, the results are environmental – EDGE helps mitigate climate change by encouraging resource-efficient development.

To qualify for EDGE certification, companies must utilize the EDGE software to prove their building design will reduce energy, water, and embodied energy in building materials by at least 20 percent compared to a conventional building.

“Now that our building has been certified green by the World Bank’s IFC, our units also increased its value in terms of being genuinely eco-friendly with its green features. IDC, once again, has proven to be able to deliver profit not only to shareholders but also to the most important stakeholders—our valued residents,” Nati concluded.

One distinct feature of Primavera Residences’ facade is the set of cantilevers that surround the building. Apart from making the building look unique and modern, these ledges serve to create a shadow from within, thus keeping direct sunlight from getting through the windows and reducing the heat in the unit. This is best experienced especially in the balcony of a two-bedroom unit.

The green inner courtyard within the building is also designed to increase natural ventilation, keeping the air across the units cool while pushing warm air out through the roof. Photovoltaic solar panels are also installed on the rooftop to produce the building’s own energy and power its common areas.

To know more about the first EDGE-certified condominium project in East Asia—Primavera Residences, you may visit their website at www.primaveraresidences.com or call them at (088) 880-5002 or (+63) 917 794 2221.

The Aperitivo, a true Italian food and wine event in CdO!

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Finally something that we don’t see every day in Cagayan de Oro. The Italian Chamber of Commerce and the Italian Embassy in partnership with Oro Chamber present an extraordinary insight into the habits of an Italian, a real piece of Italy’s everyday life: The Italian Aperitivo.

Let’s take away all doubts right from the beginning: the Aperitivo is what it says: an aperitif, which is an alcoholic drink to be had at pre-dinner time to stimulate one’s appetite. In Rome or in Milan people gather for an aperitivo just after leaving office and drink wines, camparis, bellinis and a lot of other fancy drinks, cocktails and mixers. All this is accompanied by a buffet style of “antipasti”, Italian appetisers and finger foods like cold cuts, prosciutto, cheeses, panini and even spaghetti and other specialities. Doubt arises if this is a pre-dinner snack or real dinner?? Well, most often you wouldn’t want to eat anything else after an Aperitivo but Italians are known for eating so many do have late dinners thereafter.

The Aperitivo CdO is a lifestyle event where people gather and indulge in good conversation apart from sipping delicious wines and served with sumptuous buffet. Definitely a venue where worries and stresses have no home and where togetherness and friendship prevails.

This unique event should signify another step to Cagayan de Oro’s friendship with Italy and Italian culture and business. We have already witnessed the rise and shine of Primavera Residences by Architect Romolo Nati, now a pride of for all the city and other Italian companies active in servicing the bottling lines of Coca Cola. With the Philippine economy growing so is also Mindanao and the opportunities are unfolding. A growing mutual cooperation between public and private entities and also thanks to the efforts of Oro Chamber we shall see more foreign investments meaning more jobs for the local community. “If we keep a positive mindset and help each other for the common good then all the community can grow accordingly. Mindanao has a great future.” says Lorens Ziller, vice-president of the Italian Chamber of Commerce and maker of this international tie-up together with Engr. Cerael “Dodong” Donggay, president of Oro Chamber. The two chambers have a tie-up signing scheduled for the upcoming Oro Best Expo 2015.

Sunshine Paquibot, part of the organizing team, reminds us that there are limited tickets available for this event and all those who still want to be part of it should hurry to grab this opportunity.

‘Italpinas Best Deal Ever’ unveils this October

Do you want to invest in a multi-awarded condominium development in Cagayan de Oro at the most reasonable deals? This month, Italpinas’ flagship development, Primavera Residences, offers a high-end kitchen modular system from October 1-31, 2015!

In a regular package, buyers get unfurnished units with inclusions of tile floorings, painted walls and ceilings, fitted kitchen sinks, bathroom fixtures, electrical wirings and outlets; however, this month of October, buyers are offered a FREE Kitchen Modular System!

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“At Primavera, we always make sure to please our clients not only with world-class units and facilities but also with our promo offerings; that aside from the already affordable rates, we strive to make it even more reasonable. Indeed, today is the best chance to invest in Mindanao’s first and only multi-awarded eco-friendly building,” Gladys Magadan-Echano, Sales Director, expressed.

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

“We are not just giving them discounts but we give them the real thing. We want to add more value to our investors’ purchase; that it will not just be profitable, but they will also help the environment by purchasing from a development that is eco-friendly,” Echano stated.

Primavera Residences, the first development of Italpinas Development Corporation (IDC), is a 10-storey, two-tower building located at Pueblo de Oro Township 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 this year. Buyers may choose from studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units.

Hurry! We only have few units left!

Do you want to know more about Primavera Residences? You may reach them at 0917 794 2221 or (088) 880-5002. You can also visit their website at www.primaveraresidences.com.

Italpinas joins PAFTOG 10-led Tree Planting Activity in Indahag

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Italpinas Development Corporation’s (IDC) premier green property in Northern Mindanao, Primavera Residences, has recently partnered with the Philippine Air Force Tactical Operations Group 10 (PAF-TOG 10) in their aim to conserve the environment through a tree planting activity in Sitio Calacapan, Brgy. Indahag last 26 September 2015.

“As leaders to sustainable developments, it is our promise to the people that we continue to build and rebuild communities through being frontrunners and supporters to the city’s environment advocacies. Through these activities, we can bring people together in attaining our goals in ensuring environmental sustainability,” Cesar Stefan Rago, IDC’s Public Relations and Marketing Officer, declared.

Supported by different schools, colleges, universities, government and private offices, PAF-TOG 10 has successfully planted 1000 assorted seedlings as reinforcement to the National Greening Program of the government to increase the awareness of the civilian populace in sustaining the environment through activities like this.

“It is our delight to continue conducting tree planting activities to showcase/highlight PAF’s continuous support to the different programs of other agencies to help preserve the environment which, in a way, supports the AFP Internal Peace and Security Plan’s (IPSP) ‘Bayanihan’,” Lt. Col. Leo A Fontanilla, PAF (GSC) Group Commander, said.

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Italpinas Development Corporation has been in the forefront of sustainable developments and passive green architecture. IDC has won numerous local and international awards for its high-performance design—featuring the best principles of passive cooling technology: shadow and sunlight control, wind cooling and shape performance. Its flagship development, Primavera Residences in Cagayan de Oro, 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.

Built in 2012, the multi-awarded building is located in a master-planned community in uptown Cagayan de Oro. It has been effectively on the lead in promoting green advocacies in the city.

 

 

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IDC Chairman speaks at the APHF 5 satellite event in Manila

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During the recently conducted Asia Pacific Housing Forum 5 satellite event in Manila last 3-4 September, IDC Chairman and COO Architect Romolo Nati talked about “Experiences in Green Buildings” under this year’s APHF theme ‘Building Impact’ following four tracks—Building Leadership, Impacting Communities, Building Markets, and Impacting Society.

The Asia-Pacific Housing Forum is a biennial conference organized by Habitat for Humanity. This year, the Housing Forum’s fifth iteration, the main event was from 1-4 September in Hong Kong while the Philippines held its satellite event on 3-4 September. The forum brought together housing developers engaged in seeking solutions to low-income housing issues that make business and economic sense. It aimed to educate and advocate decent housing as a pivotal tool in eradicating the poverty cycle.

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IDC Chairman Arch. Romolo Nati with Arlene Ramirez, Habitat Philippines Marketing Officer at the APHF 5 satellite event in Manila.

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Representing IDC is Arch. Romolo Nati, the chairman and COO of CDO’s premier sustainable condo development, Primavera Residences, who has been invited to the forum as a breakout session speaker. During his talk, he mentioned how nature is the solution to our current issues on the environment.

“There are patterns which can be found behind natural living structures. These processes, when studied and thoroughly examined, can be translated into architectural designs and sustainable solutions. This is known as biomimicry and it has long been in existence, but has simply been overloIoked amid all the new ways of doing things. Making nature as the basis of designing sustainable homes allows IDC to lower energy and resources consumption thereby reducing costs on electricity and water, among others,” Nati said.

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IDC believes that nature holds the answer to sustainable design. Taking a cue from Mother Nature herself, the company strives to develop self-sustaining, flood-free, and earthquake-resistant structures which are inspired by the beauty and functionality of nature. These green structures fuse human technology with the best that nature has to offer.

IDC partners with HFHP Pagatpat Housing Project

Last May 2013, Italpinas Development Corporation sealed a partnership with Habitat for Humanity Philippines (HFHP) in support of both organizations’ mission to bring people together to build homes, communities and hope.

“Our advocacies complement each other’s vision and mission of providing eco-friendly, sustainable and affordable houses,” Arch. Nati said.

With the signed MOA with HFHP, IDC supported Habitat’s “I Build” Campaign through a donation which funded a specific portion of Habitat’s socialized housing project in Pagatpat, Cagayan de Oro.

“Primavera Residences near to completion” announced at International Leadership Conference in CdO

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Last August 15, 2015, a crowd of 500 gathered for the International Leadership Conference organized by Capitol University for their Executive Management Class of the Graduate School SY 2015-2016.

With the honorary presence of Filipino, American, Turkish, German and Italian lecturers and personalities, among which the Governor Vicente “Bambi” Emano who, during his speech, underlined his commitment to contintue to help Misamis Oriental grow in terms of Tourism and in terms of overall support to businesses  with needed infrastructure.

Mr. Lorens Ziller, IDC Director for Corporate Affairs, spoke on behalf of Italpinas Development Corporation (IDC), the developer of Primavera Residences in Uptown CdO and announced that the second building of Primavera Residences is near to completion underlining the strong commitment of the company to deliver results for its many investors.

Ziller, also Vice President of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines held a speech about the “Challenges and Opportunities in International Trade and Business” in which he underlined the new opportunities for business and partnerships that the Philippines has with ASEAN with a brief on what we should learn from the European Union Integration process on how it happened and who benefited the most in the aftermath.

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He also spoke about the new GSP+ “tariff-zero” admission of the Philippines with the EU for a large variety of goods manufactured and produced in the country and how this benefits and cascades into different industries from logistics and banking to real estate.

In the end he spoke about the importance of international networking and the participation in associations or entities like the ICCPI (the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines) which promotes partnerships and cooperation between Filipino and Italian companies for import/export opportunities and cross-country investment.

The Italian Chamber, after the very successful “Aperitivo Italiano” networking events, is seeking new tie-ups with local chambers and plans to hold a series of similar events also in Mindanao and Visayas. On behalf of IDC he said that the exciting designer building should possibly be handed over within the next 60 days.

This proves the value behind this young development corporation who, apart from keeping up to the promise of his investors is also apparently preparing for public listing within the next few months increasing the returns for its own investors even further.

Explaining the success of this Filipino-Italian company citing Napoleon Hill he finished with: “The only limits are those created by our mind” meaning that, where there is a will to succeed even in difficult circumstances there is a way if we don’t allow our imagination to see our success, which gained him a large applause by the present crowd.

The conference underlined the commitment from several private and institutional parties that a successful and growing Misamis Oriental with and International mindset will benefit all classes of society and bring new jobs and opportunities into an already thriving business environment. Where education, business and institutions are cooperating harmoniously there is definitely a strategic advantage for all concerned parties and ultimately for the people and our next generations. (Lorens Ziller, Corporate Affairs Director)

World Green Building Council visits Oro Sustainable Development

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Photo from: http://www.vebidoo.com/

Last August 26, 2015, Mr. Autif Sayyed, a Green Building Specialist of World Green Building Council, visited Primavera Residences to meet with Engr. Aldwin Nilles and Ms. Melissa San Jose, general manager of Primavera Residences.

Mr. Sayyed visited the green building to complete the stages of Primavera Residences’ EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) certification. EDGE is a new building resource efficiency system created for emerging markets, providing clients with technical solutions for going green and captures capital costs and projected operational savings.

Autif Sayyed is the Regional Green Building Specialist for the East Asia Pacific Region at International Finance Corporation (IFC). He provides technical support to IFC’s green building programs in the emerging EAP countries, namely Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam and China. His primary focus is on close cooperation with government counterparts and private sector stakeholders in order to initiate and implement green buildings regulatory changes. He also provides support to governments in the region on development of long term green building strategy, capacity building of building professionals and government officials and creating opportunities for funding green buildings.

Do you want to know more about Primavera Residences? Call us now at +63 917 794 2221 or (088) 880-5002.

Pueblo de Oro Golf Club official Golf Partner of Primavera Residences

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On August 18, 2015, Primavera recently established partnership with Pueblo de Oro Golf Club as the green condominium development’s official golf partner. Pueblo de Oro Golf is an 18 hole, par-72 championship golf course intricately designed by Architect Robert Trent Jones II International.

The golf course was inaugurated on May 5, 1998 by President Fidel Ramos and was heralded as one of the finest in the Philippines with a majestic driving range, clubhouse, and tee houses. Strategically placed sand bunkers and grass add to the variety of challenges in this course.

“Our partnership with Pueblo de Oro Golf Course is just one of the add-ons that we give our tenants. We aspire to always provide them with the best options and deals,” Melissa San Jose, IDC general manager, said.

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As the first eco-friendly property in Cagayan de Oro, Primavera Residences is a front-runner in promoting and supporting green advocacies and projects in the city. Also committed in sustainable properties, Primavera makes sure to fully support projects that stimulates environmental campaigns in the city.

Primavera Residences’ developer, Italpinas Development Corporation (IDC), won numerous local and international awards for its contemporary design with natural airflow through inner spaces, and architectural elements designed precisely for the location’s latitude to shade the building’s surface from the sun throughout the year. 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 air-conditioning energy consumption.

Primavera Serviced Residences offers long and short term stay

The 10-storey condominium property in uptown Cagayan de Oro offers serviced apartments with hotel-like services that are a less expensive and homier option for visiting businessmen and travelers and golfers.

All the units for rent are fully fitted with kitchen, cable TV, refrigerator, and air conditioning. Amenities include a green inner courtyard for natural lighting and ventilation, 24-7 security, CCTV, indoor pool, gym, function hall, laundry station, and twin elevators. Located in the booming business and commercial area in uptown Cagayan de Oro, it is just walking distance to SM City CdO, and easily accessible to public transportation, and Pueblo de Oro Golf Course.

“This coming August 27-30, Pueblo de Oro Golf is holding a tournament. I’m inviting all golfers to join the event and experience “Higalaay”. As you join this prestigious gold tournament, make Primavera Residences your home as we have prepared exciting promos just for you,” San Jose concluded.

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To know more about Primavera Residences and its partners, you may reach them at (088) 880-5002, (+63) 917 864 4061, or email them at leasing.pso@italpinas.com. You can also access their website at www.primaveraresidences.com.

5 Healthy Tips to Maximize your Workout Habits

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Oh hello there! It is not yet too late to assess your eating and exercise habits as Primavera Residences gives you tips on how to maximize your workout habits. They say, you are what you eat. Well, it is important for you to know what to eat because wanting to be fit can be very exhausting but will be worth it at the end of the day.

You may want to consider these eating and exercise tips:

  1. A healthy meal for breakfast

If you plan to exercise in the morning, it is best to wake up early enough to eat your breakfast at least an hour before your workout. Most of the energy you got from dinner the previous night is used up in the morning, and your blood sugar might be low. If you don’t eat, you might feel lazy or lightheaded when you exercise.

You may eat a light breakfast or a glass of energy drink. Emphasize carbohydrates for maximum energy. Good breakfast options include:

  • Cereals of bread
  • Low-fat milk
  • Juice
  • Energy drink
  • Bananas
  • Yogurt

If you normally take coffee in the mornings, remember, a cup before you exercise is fine.

  1. Eat right.

Be wary by not trying to overwhelm yourself with the food served at breakfast, lunch, or dinner before taking your exercise. Please see below the general guidelines:

  • Large meals.Eat these at least three to four hours before exercising.
  • Small meals.Eat these two to three hours before exercising.
  • Small snacks.Eat these an hour before exercising.

Eating too much before you exercise can leave you feeling lazy. Also, eating too little might not give you energy to keep you feeling strong throughout your workout. Best thing to do is to eat right.

  1. Never go wrong with your snack options.

There is no other way to determine what’s enough or not for your snacks. The key is how you feel and what works best for you. Most people eat small snacks right before and after exercise. Snacks eaten before your workout won’t give added energy, but they can help keep up your blood sugar and prevent distracting hunger spasms. These include:

  • Energy bars
  • Bananas or other fresh fruit
  • Yogurt
  • Fruit smoothies
  • Crackers
  • Oats and granola bars
  • Sandwiches

P.S. A healthy snack is especially important if you plan a workout several hours after a meal.

  1. Eat after you exercise

To help your muscles recover and to replace their glycogen stores, eat a meal that contains both protein and carbohydrates within two hours of your exercise session if possible. Good post-workout food choices include:

  • Yogurt and fruit
  • Peanut butter sandwich
  • Low-fat chocolate milk and pretzels
  • Pasta with meatballs
  • Chicken with brown rice.

5. Drink Up

Don’t forget to drink fluids. You need adequate fluids before, during and after exercise to help prevent dehydration.

To stay well-hydrated for exercise, the American College of Sports Medicine recommends that you:

  • Drink roughly 2 to 3 cups of water during the two to three hours before your workout.
  • Drink about 1/2 to 1 cup of water every 15 to 20 minutes during your workout. Adjust amounts related to your body size and the weather.
  • Drink roughly 2 to 3 cups of water after your workout for every pound (0.5 kilogram) of weight you lose during the workout.

Water is generally the best way to replace lost fluids. But if you’re exercising for more than 60 minutes, use a sports drink. Sports drinks can help maintain your body’s electrolyte balance and give you a bit more energy because they contain carbohydrates.

Be fit and enjoy living healthy

Always bear in mind that length and intensity of your activity will dictate how often and what you should be eating and drinking.

When it comes to eating and exercise, everyone is different. Pay serious attention to how you feel during the workout and your overall performance. Be fit and enjoy living healthy to the habits that works best for you. Monitor how your body reacts to meals, snacks, drinks so that you can adjust your diet for maximum performance.

Your health and well-being plays a very significant role in helping you achieve your goals, and we at Primavera Residences understand how important it is to constantly be on optimum health.

And oh, Primavera Residences Condominium Corporation is conducting an M-W-F Zumba Fitness Program at the La Rondine Hall, 2F Primavera Residences. What are you waiting for? Join us now!

Do you want to know more about Primavera Residences’ lifestyle stories? You may visit our website at www.primaveraresidences.com or call us at 088-880-5002 for more information.