6 Ways to Celebrate Earth Hour with your Family

Posted by Stefan on March 26, 2015

We are 2 days away from celebrating Earth Hour! Are you still searching for ways on how to celebrate Earth Hour and sustaining it for the days to come? What the world needs are people like you. If you’re shifting to a more sustainable and energy-conscious way of life, then you are more qualified to participate in this worldwide event!

Here are some ways to maintain you and your family’s commitment to protecting our planet and contribute to the global environmental change.

Talk with your family: This is an opportunity to talk with your family about your contribution to the Earth Hour. This way, you cannot just participate by yourself but you can also encourage your family members. Some easy contributions at home are by simply turning off the lights, schedule watching the television, charging your gadgets ahead of time, and by limiting waste as you make a positive impact on the environment. This Saturday, take this as an opportunity to be with your family as you go stargazing.

Impose and save: You can set up a plan on what areas of your house where electricity can be saved. You can simply place flags or stickers on when to use these appliances or unplug your computers. Through imposing these simple discipline, turning off lights and other devices will not just save energy but could shape your family members’ character and behavior.

Issue a challenge: Turn off the television and computer! Gather the family, light a candle and pull out your favorite board games. Scrabble, Monopoly, Trivia Pursuits and Pictionary are some great options. You might event notice you’ve bonded so closely that you were celebrating it past the hour. How’s that for a simple and eco-friendly family bonding?

Impart wisdom to your kids: By simply calculating the ways you can save energy in and around your house can help your kids understand the impact they can contribute with their individual actions on the entire environment. You can explain the effects, savings they get, and benefits from being conscious of their electricity consumption. Through this, these steps will help them reduce the use of energy.

Walk the talk: Invite family and friends over to celebrate Earth Hour together. Turn off the lights and other appliances while you watch an environmentally-themed movie. Afterwards, you can have a group discussion and write down what actions should be done. Be inspired to become an inspiration. Let’s walk the talk.

Share to the world. In taking part of this global event, it wouldn’t hurt you if you post your Earth Hour experience with the hashtag #ChangeClimateChange. So, see you this Saturday as we make the world a better place to live in!

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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 helps reduce the residents’ electricity consumption.

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

Earth Hour: More than just a Global Switch-off

Posted by Stefan on March 25, 2015

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

What’s Next for Your Child After Graduation?

Posted by Stefan on March 19, 2015

This is it.

He just graduated.

He finally moved to life after college.

Congratulations for making it this far! Congratulations on the achievement! Indeed, graduating from college is a major breakthrough; that is why most students see college as a major goals, when in reality it is simply a stepping stone to other future life triumphs. Figuring out who they are and what they value the most are just some of the considerations of the adventure they’ll take after college. The next questions will be, “What’s next for you after college?” and “What lies ahead?”

After college, they will probably encounter critical issues they need to deal with as they discover the transition from college to career and to living independently.

Dilemma 1: Career A, B, or C?

Many newly-grads are still undecided on what specific career they’re going to take. Even if we say we are as sure as a bullet, guess what? Career experts say that an average person switches careers (not jobs) for four to five times over his lifetime.

Next question is, where would they go from here? For almost everyone, getting the very first job after graduation can seem a big challenge. With little to no practical experience, they may feel they’re in a weak position competing in a job market populated by all sorts of candidates whose varying numbers of work years make them seem more favorable.

For a first-time job-seeker, your child should ensure that they’re tying up with an employer who has the foundation to provide the right training and support. Remember, having a solid start is essential to build a successful career, and it only can be accomplished through working for employers who see the potential in young graduates rather than looking solely at the savings that can be made by hiring them.

The next step: Where will they live upon graduation?

Yes, your child may have just spent the last four years in dorms. Or maybe he have lived off-campus with a friend or two in an apartment. Now that graduation is near, he may have already found a place to live, or decided to move back home with you, still the decision is still in your hands considering some reasons and consequences.

Before deciding to let them live independently after college, you should get into consideration all of your options. Some of the questions that might bug you before purchasing or leasing a place to stay are: “What can I afford? Where do I actually want them to live? What do I need in an apartment or a house?”

Living alone definitely equip them to have a better life ahead. Taking off from college would not just help them become responsible and independent, it helps them build an investment over their character. Though it will be challenging but it’ll be worth the battle, I promise.

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Have you decided to let your child live independently after college? Click here for more reasons why you should consider a condo unit as a graduation gift. This March, 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.

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.

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.

5 Eco-friendly Devices You Should Try

Posted by Stefan on March 18, 2015

The world generates twenty to fifty million metric tons of electronic waste each year and most of the consumption is caused due to heavy use of electronic appliances according to the United Nations Environment Program. However, there are ways to reduce the wastage of electricity by switching to gadgets with solar-powered counterparts, or gadgets that are made from recycled materials and are non-biodegradable.

To give you an idea to what gadgets are environment-friendly, here are some of those:

iBamboo

No need for an outlet or any batteries at all, just a bamboo cut to the usual portable speaker with a slot on the top to rest your iPhone. All you need to do is turn your phone’s speaker on, set it in the slot, and the natural acoustics of the bamboo will amplify the sound. Yes, no electricity required. How’s that, huh?

Eton Mobius

With the rise of the high technology gadgets that contribute to global warming, consumers nowadays are getting even more conscious on how they’ll be able to contribute to being eco-friendly. Eton Mobius helps when you’re out for a day of traveling and need a quick and simple way to have a little bit extra juice, and you want to be eco-friendly about it. Eton put out a rechargeable battery for iPhones that is essentially a case with a solar panel attached at the back. How about a free battery charging wherever there’s sunlight, ey?

LED Monitors

As much as we try to accept the advancement of technology and its implications in our daily life, we have yet to embrace it in its totality. One fine example of such a situation is our use of the bulky cathode-ray tube (CRT) monitors that we use as screens for our computers. They are huge, heavy, space and energy consuming, and the worst part is, they comprise of deadly chemicals like lead to manufacture.

To reduce this, make the eco-friendly switch by replacing them with LED monitors. These monitors are lightweight, sleek, and have less moving parts. Even better, they consume less electricity and also give a more user satisfaction in terms of display than its predecessors. Make the eco-friendly switch if you are using the old boxes.

Smartphones

You will never go wrong with the multi-functionality of your smartphones. Think about it: your phones are your cell phones, mp3 players, digital camera, e-planner, e-reader, GPS device, calculator and so much more. In fact, the more uses you find for your smartphone, the more eco-friendly it becomes because each time you consolidate your gadget needs into the apps and functions contained in your smartphone, the fewer peripheral device you need. The fewer electronic devices you buy, the lighter impact you have on the planet.

Asus Bamboo Ecobook

The cover of this ASUS Ecobook is made of bamboo and is truly a decent way of getting your compute power while lowering your electricity costs. All of the plastic inside this Ecobook is labeled and recyclable. The components are lined with cardboard and there are no paints, sprays or even electroplating used on its components.

Do you know of any other devices that promote green living? Let us know in the comments.

Primavera Residences, the premier eco-friendly development in Cagayan de Oro City, regularly shares green tips for our readers. Do you want to know more about it? Click here.

Tips to Protect Your Homes from Natural Calamities

Posted by Stefan on March 13, 2015

There will always be chances of some kind of weather or geologic condition no matter where we live in. Say storms, strong winds, earthquakes, and even floods, these require our attention to rethink our home’s construction.

In this case, the Philippines has been known to the world for the tragic experiences brought by typhoons that resulted to strong floods and countless casualties. Instead of looking at this as a problem, in one way or another, take this as an opportunity to protect your family through storm-proofing your home.

Having adequate storm protection can make the difference between minimal storm damage and serious property loss. Hoping for good weather or waiting until the last minute puts you at a disadvantage. You should always remove yourself, and your family, from the path of an oncoming dangerous storm. Evacuate with confidence knowing your property is protected.

Let the water flow.While you should always keep your gutters and downspouts clean, it’s particularly important to make sure nothing blocks flowing water during a storm. Let’s face it, the water will want to go somewhere. If it’s not down and away, it’ll be in your roof and attic. Conduct a visual inspection of your gutters and downspouts to be sure nothing blocks the flow of water from your roof to avoid water getting inside your precious home.

Protect your doors and windows. Whether with impact-resistant glass or shutters, protecting doors and windows against high winds and flying debris is imperative because strong typhoon winds can throw objects away.

Keep your landscape free of any debris.Prune trees and remove dead branches well before the any storm shows up. To avoid further damage and injuries, remove any patio furniture and other loose items outside that can get blown around.

Safe and elevated location.Especially for houses in some coastal areas, building codes require that the structure be raised. While garages and storage spaces can be placed at the ground floors of these homes, the construction should be such that the structure doesn’t block a storm surge. As much as possible, location should also be considered when planning to put up a house. Coastal communities should be moved further away from the shoreline to lessen the risk of storm surges (flooding due to abnormal sea level rise).

Keep basic supplies on hand. The power of a typhoon can be so damaging to the extent that it cannot be foreseen. So it is suggested to keep on hand at least a three-day supply of items such as candles, batteries, potable water, canned goods that don’t require refrigeration etc. Put together an emergency kit in advance of any storm as recommended by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

As advocates for calamity-resistant homes, Primavera Residences is designed to withstand strong earthquakes, typhoons, and other natural calamities, while its elevated location at 110 meters above sea level makes it flood-free and ideal for safe, hassle-free, and convenient eco-friendly living.

Its developer, Italpinas Euroasian Design and Eco-development Corporation (ITPI), a sustainable real estate developer, takes part in actively promoting green advocacies in the city.

Do you want to know more about the building’s tips and advocacies? Call 0917-794-2221 or visit its website here.

Top 4 Reasons Why More People Choose a Condo Over a House

Posted by Stefan on March 12, 2015

Let’s face the fact that living in a single-detached home can be very expensive, especially when you decide to live on your own and want to live in major cities. Securing a house in good locations can be quite tedious because of cost and availability reasons, resulting to more people opting for a condo unit than traditional houses.

Here are the top reasons why:

Cost-friendly: Nowadays, condo units are often the popular choice for yuppies, newly-weds, and small families because of affordability compared to single-detached homes. Since a condo unit is fairly divided, making it easier for you to maintain and clean. Also, in the Philippines, you can own a condo unit for as low as Php 8,000 per month.

Location: When buying a place to live, one of the top consideration is the location. If you’re looking for a place that is just a few steps away from important places, then there is no doubt that a condominium is the best choice. Primavera Residences, located in Uptown Cagayan de Oro, is situated just beside one of largest mall in the city, SM City CdO. Not only that, it is also a walking distance to restaurants, movie houses, salons, supermarkets, schools, offices, and other leisure and entertainment hubs.

Safety: Now that most of our jobs require us to travel a lot and spend most of our time at work, living in a condo unit gives you the convenience of not having to worry about leaving your home unguarded. For Primavera Residences, the building provides 24/7 security with highly trained security guards who are deployed to watch the possible entry points of the building to avoid illegal entry. Security cameras also covers the common areas of the building to make surveillance more effective. Lock and leave? Not a problem.

Amenities and facilities: Living in a condo gives you easier access to a swimming pool and gym, giving you the freedom and convenience to visit these amenities any time for your relaxation needs. This is just one of the many reasons why a number of the working population choose condo units over single-detached homes.

Condo living has both advantages and disadvantages, but for young professionals, newly-weds, or even friends living under one roof, then a condo unit truly offers more advantages.

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 ensured 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 turned over in a few months’ time. Buyers may choose from studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units.

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

Why a Condo Unit is the Best Graduation Gift

Posted by Stefan on March 10, 2015

It’s always exciting to see someone graduate from school—especially a college graduate who feels liberated from school and eager to start a new career. Graduating is exciting as it is terrifying especially when one starts to be independent.

Yes, there is no question that the best investment parents can give to their children is equipping them for the future—the gift of education. But what happens after graduation? As their child goes through the “real world”, worrying in silence would be very excruciating. Parents want nothing but the best for their children and for graduation, they would probably give their child the best gift ever.

Well, here are some reasons why a condominium is the best gift ever.

Worthy investment

Buying a condo unit as a graduation gift is a worthy investment for both parents and children. Not only that it could be considered a second home but also making sure that your child is in a place that is convenient and secure even if you decide to let him go.

In the Philippines, condo units are reasonable with its easier and efficient modes of payment. Why not help your newly-grad with the down payment or the deposit if it’s a rent? When he lands on a job, tell him to chip in. This way, your child becomes responsible enough to handle such investment. A condo unit will not only be a real estate investment but an investment into his character and sense of responsibility.

The reality of adulthood

Dependency is over and slacking’s done. Sooner or later, when your child gets his diploma, he will have to face reality and start doing things on his own.

Buying him a condo means driving him to get his act together. Through proper guidance and timing, you’ll be amazed on how independence can do to a child. Also, with significant amount of supervision, your child will soon live responsibly and maturely.

As parents, come prepared with your list of what-to-bring, from kitchen wares to appliances, when he starts living on his own. Living away from your comfort zone is no easy task, but at the same time, there is no better training than getting your hands a little dirty.

Financial responsibility

When your child takes off from college, you would want him to become financially responsible and independent. Though it will be challenging but it sure is worth it. We cannot keep away from the fact that sooner, when he lands a job, he will feel the need to reward himself every payday and might spend on things that do not help him to become financially stable someday.

If he owns a condo or rents one, he will value every peso he spends since he has bills to pay. Little will you know that he will be responsible enough to save electricity and water consumptions and manages his social life.

This way, you’re teaching him to be financially responsible and how to save for the future. He will know the value of hard work and ensure himself of a better life ahead.

For a better future

Giving a newly-grad a condo helps him become responsible of his own space and own life. It will help him grow maturely and responsibly as a professional. Most importantly, he will have a better chance at living the life he knows he deserves.

How’s this kind of “congratulations” for your child’s future?

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This March, 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.

Primavera Gives Full Support to SYAGIT 2015

Posted by Stefan on March 7, 2015

This coming March 10-12, Xavier University’s Development Communication senior students will hold its annual exhibit, SYAGIT!, showcasing different outputs in the form of posters, infographics, videos, brochures and newsletters about environmental preservation and informed choices for a healthy lifestyle (food security) at the Rotunda of Lim Ketkai Center.

This year’s theme, Sampit sa Dapit: I-syagit!, seeks to address the prominent problems of the city which are food security and environmental preservation. The food security exhibit will be showcased through documentaries and posters that will help spread awareness on the issue of food scarcity and hunger in the city and promote sustainable agriculture. Meanwhile, through various campaign materials such as posters and newsletters, the issue on environmental conservation were addressed to different barangays (communities) in Cagayan de Oro to also help spread awareness to its residents.

“SYAGIT offers a variety of communication materials that feature food security and environmental protection. By providing the people and the government the important information through Syagit, we are hopeful that they will take the necessary actions to address the issues on environmental degradation,” Irish Lam, SYAGIT’s head for public relations, said.

Primavera Residences supports SYAGIT!

Primavera Residences, the first eco-friendly property in Cagayan de Oro, has been in the forefront in promoting green advocacies in the city. As a leader in sustainable properties, Primavera makes sure to fully support projects that stimulates environmental campaigns in the city.

For the past years, Primavera has supported several sustainable projects that promotes eco-friendliness and community development.

Primavera wishes these senior DevCom students in their pursuit to make Cagayan de Oro a better and livable city.

Do you want to know more about Primavera’s advocacies? Please click here.

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.

Are You Ready To MARCH? Join Primavera’s #GameDayWednesday!

Posted by Stefan on March 3, 2015

The month of March is the season to celebrate the successes brought by years of hard work, effort and achievement spent in school. This is the month when graduates enjoy the last few weeks in the academe before moving onwards to what we call “the real thing”. So this March, Primavera Residences wants to celebrate with you all your successes and triumphs through our social media contests.

Start by joining #GameDayWednesday online contest in Facebook. All you have to do is like the Primavera Residences official page in Facebook and watch out for fun activities every Wednesday for the entire month of March. We will be asking graduation-related questions. Expect photos, puzzles, filling in of missing phrase, and some stories you should share.

Since it’s time to relax and breath fresh air, winners will get a free pampering package from Thai Boran.

So better like our page and who knows? You might be our next winner!

P.S. For buyers this March, avail the Php 70,000 discount and a blowout treat of Php 5,000 at Bigby’s SM Cagayan de Oro branch. Just present a proof of graduation to avail the treat.

Do you want to know more about Primavera Residences social media contests and promo? Click here or call 088-880-5002 and 0917 794 2221 for more information.

Tag: green buildings in the Philippines