6 Ways to Celebrate Earth Hour with your Family

earth-hour-family

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.

  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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?
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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!

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

earth-hour-switch

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.

—-

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.

Tips to Protect Your Homes from Natural Calamities

homes-calamaties

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.

  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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).
  1. 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.

Primavera Congratulates #PrimaveraValentineRoses Winner

How’s March coping up with you so far?

We hope it has been doing a great job in giving your surprises because as far as we are concerned, we at Primavera Residences, give surprises you weren’t even expecting.

To the people who visited Primavera Residences last February 14 for the #PrimaveraValentineRoses, our deepest gratitude for taking your time and making an effort to surprise your loved one with a rose. Like any other contests, it should come to an end.

So without further ado, we present to you #PrimaveraValentineRoses winner who gets to spend an overnight stay at Primavera Residences. Congratulations to…

*drumroll*

CONGRATULATIONS to Mr. and Mrs. Brick Suazo for this genuine and happy Valentine picture with your cute little kid. You won an overnight stay at Primavera Residences together with your wife and your charming kid.

Congrats-suazo

To claim your prize, please don’t hesitate to message us in Primavera Residences Facebook Page or text/call Stefan thru +63 917 864 4011 and we will be very happy to assist you.

To all the participants, Primavera would like to thank you for joining #PrimaveraValentineRoses contest.

Hey, don’t be sad as there are more exciting games coming up!

This March, watch out for more thrilling activities in our Facebook page. As we celebrate the month of graduation, our #GameDayWednesday gives you the chance to win a pampering package.

Not only that, Italpinas gives you the biggest treat you could ever receive for the graduation season as you get a P70,000 worth of discount for March buyers. Hep hep, for those who have graduating family members, you could also avail the P5,000 treat at Bigby’s SM CdO.

I can see those smiles, ey. Just watch out for more exciting surprises and treats from the one and only eco-friendly property in Northern Mindanao!

To know more about Primavera Residences, the internationally-awarded property in Cagayan de Oro, go here.

Mindanao Pushes for More Renewable Energy Supply

primavera-solar-panels

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.

“There are good things coming for Mindanao and power is one of them,” Secretary Luwalhati Antonino, chair of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), said in her opening statement.

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).

Antonino said that there are 231 renewable energy projects spread across Mindanao that could potentially generate at least 2,419 megawatts of sustainable power supply for the region between 2020 and 2025. In the next five years, over 2000 megawatts of renewable energy will be contributed to the Mindanao grid.

A startup project that promotes RE in NorthMin

In Northern Mindanao, a pioneering sustainable property developer has started to incorporate the use of renewable energy through property developments. Italpinas Euroasian Design and Eco-development Corporation (ITPI), an Italian-Filipino sustainable real estate firm, is committed to using green architecture paired with the use of renewable energy.

Primavera Residences, ITPI’s flagship sustainable condominium development, primarily promotes green architecture that helps reduce the impact to the environment. ITPI’s CEO and executive chairman Arch. Romolo Nati and its president, Atty. Jojo Leviste closely work together in achieving their goal to be the country’s prime movers in sustainable properties.

Leviste and Nati are also committed in incorporating energy-efficient systems in all their properties through its renewable energy business, Constellation Energy Corporation, with projects that include geothermal, hydro, wind, and solar.

“Sustainable design is more than just designing green. Aside from aesthetic design and caring for the environment, it has to help develop the communities,” Nati said. “That’s why our developments incorporate sustainability features that reduces 20% of the residents’ electricity consumption and are also built in secondary Philippine cities, where they can help develop local communities.”

Mindanao 2020 Peace and Dev’t Plan

The great move in pursuing RE projects, according to Antonino, is part of the efforts of key power players from the government and the private sector to provide Mindanao with a greener and renewable power supply.

Antonino added that pursuing RE development is also aligned with the MinDA’s Mindanao 2020 Peace and Development Framework Plan, which recognizes power as a major enabling factor for socio-economic development.

By 2016, the power scenario in Mindanao, including the committed projects, is expected to be 40% hydro, 28% coal, 25% oil-based, 6% geothermal and 1% biomass, MinDA data said.

But in 2019-2020, the energy mix in Mindanao, including committed and indicative power projects, would be 56% coal, 24% hydro, 14% oil-based, 4% geothermal and 1% each for biomass and solar, according to the same data.

Romeo Montenegro, MinDA director for investment promotion and public affairs, said that the government fully supports the development of renewable energy projects to balance the energy mix in Mindanao in the long-term.

Primavera to put up solar panels this June

This June 2015, Primavera Residences will be installing 6 sets of 3 kWp solar panel kits that could generate an estimated monthly electricity output of 270 kWh per kit at the roof deck to power the building’s water pumps, elevators, and other common areas.

primavera-solar-panels-2

Do you want to know more about the energy-efficient building? You can contact them at 0917 794 2221 and 088 880 5002 or you may visit their website here.

Primavera Gives Full Support to SYAGIT 2015

Syagit

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.

Primavera Turns Over Educational Books to Cagayan de Oro RFC

rugby

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.

Cagayan de Oro Developer Hosts Condo and Car Fair

DSC_0877

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.

DSC_0869

“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.

DSC_0873

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

Blog

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.

 

4 Simple Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Your Date

Simple ways to Celebrate valentines

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 .

  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.

Valentine Roses Draft

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.

FebPromo_Blog

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.