Praiseworthy recognition for the individuals shaping the future of Philippine real estate.
th annual awards
Talented developers from various parts of the country are recognized at the 11th annual awards ceremony.th PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards
Last Sept. 22, the 11th PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards, organized by property technology company PropertyGuru Group, presented by Kohler, and supported by Boysen Paints and Dongpeng Ceramic, feted the archipelago’s finest real estate in a celebration that drew the nation’s most accomplished and up-and-coming developers and industry leaders.
The prestigious Shangri-La The Fort in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig hosted the first-ever annual formal dinner and awards ceremony, honoring outstanding companies and projects in both urban and provincial real estate markets throughout the Philippines. A total of 71 recipients were awarded golden trophies in 65 different categories, showcasing the best properties across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao regions.
Jules Kay, general manager of PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards and Events, expressed congratulations to this year’s winners, highlighting the opportunity for international recognition of their accomplishments in impressive industrial developments, mixed-use communities, smart urban projects, and hospitality portfolios through the PropertyGuru awards platform.
Mr. Kay stated that the recipients of this year’s awards are making significant contributions towards the future of the real estate industry in both bustling cities and rural areas in the Philippines.
According to Jeremy Williams, who oversees marketplaces at PropertyGuru Group, the winners’ achievements in their developments demonstrate impressive advancement and development in the country.
“The recipients’ dedication to creativity, environmental responsibility, and excellence is truly motivating for the real estate sector, as we construct the cities of the future. We have high hopes that these winners, with their commitment to ESG and sustainable design, will make a positive impact on our world in the years ahead,” Mr. Williams expressed.
Rewarding and inspiring
For the second year in a row, Robinsons Land Corp. (RLC) was declared the top developer in the Philippines, surpassing other excellent entries nationwide. RLC also received the award for Best Developer (Visayas) and a Special Recognition for its efforts in ESG. Additionally, RLC Residences was recognized as the Best Lifestyle Developer.
In addition, RLC Residences’ Sierra Valley Gardens was awarded as the Best Condo Development in Luzon, Woodsville Crest was recognized as the Best Smart Home Development, and The Residences at The Westin Manila received the title of Best Luxury Condo Development in Metro Manila.
During his acceptance speech, John Richard Sotelo, the Senior Vice-President and Business Unit General Manager of RLC Residences, expressed his appreciation to both PropertyGuru and the team at RLC Residences for their dedication and efforts.
Mr. Sotelo expressed his gratitude and congratulations to the entire RLC Residences team for their dedication and hard work in launching the brand in 2021, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. He looks forward to continued success in the years to come.
Robinsons Hotels and Resorts received the top prize for Best Operational Hospitality Portfolio, thanks to its impressive lineup of hotels. Fili Hotel Cebu also achieved multiple wins. Robinsons Offices was recognized for its office buildings GBF Centers 1 & 2 and Cybergate Iloilo Towers 1 & 2. The esteemed Best Condo Development (Philippines) award was given to Aurelia Residences, a joint project by Shang Robinsons Properties, Inc.
Federal Land, Inc. (FLI) received recognition as the Best Developer (Luzon) and Best Mixed Use Developer for its project, The Grand Midori Ortigas. Additionally, two of FLI’s subsidiaries, Sunshine Fort North Bonifacio Realty Development Corp. and North Bonifacio Landmark Realty and Development. Inc., were awarded for their developments, Mitsukoshi BGC and Grand Hyatt Manila Residences South Tower, respectively.
The awards given to the developer can be attributed to their commitment to designing exceptional homes that cater to the specific needs of their residents and community. These accolades serve as motivation for FLI to keep producing forward-thinking and high-quality developments in the country.
FLI has established numerous partnerships to enhance its properties, reflecting the founder George S.K. Ty’s belief in collaboration. These partnerships with reputable local and international companies have elevated FLI’s standards and capabilities. In return, FLI offers its partners valuable insights on the local market and its emphasis on excellence and discipline.
CLI, or Cebu Landmasters, Inc., was recognized as the Best Developer in Mindanao, with several accolades for its projects including Casa Mira Towers Bacolod, Casa Mira Homes Danao, Casa Mira Iloilo, Costa Mira Beachtown Panglao, and DGT City Center.
Primary Homes, Inc. was recognized for their work on the Royal Oceancrest Mactan project, earning the title of Best Sustainable Developer and receiving a Special Recognition for their efforts in Sustainable Design and Construction.
The company Torre Lorenzo Development Corp, recognized for their projects 3Torre Lorenzo and lyf Malate Manila, received the award for Best Boutique Developer.
Reaffirming commitments
AIC Economic Estates, a division of Aboitiz InfraCapital, was honored with the Best Industrial Developer award. They also received Special Recognitions for their commitment to ESG and Sustainable Design and Construction, as well as recognition for their projects including LIMA Central Business District, LIMA Estate, and West Cebu Estate.
Reworded: Cyel Auza, the vice-president for Cebu Operations at AIC Economic Estates, believes that being acknowledged as the top industrial developer in the nation is a testament to AIC Economic Estates’ dedication to promoting economic, social, and environmental advancement in rural areas.
According to Ms. Auza, our steadfast dedication to improving industries and enriching the lives of the communities we serve has led to this distinction. She also mentioned that our team has diligently worked towards fulfilling our mission for the past thirty years.
In addition to these responsibilities, AIC Economic Estates recognizes that its exceptional awards demonstrate its commitment to sustainability. This highlights the importance of implementing sustainable practices in order to ensure the continued success of their business in the long run.
Ms. Auza stated that our initiatives, such as LIMA Estate, were recognized as the top sustainable development in the Philippines this year. These projects are carefully created with sustainability as a key aspect, in line with worldwide and local sustainability goals.
Ms. Auza pointed out that the recognition received by West Cebu Estate for being the Best Industrial Development brings attention to Balamban, Cebu, where the estate is situated, as well as the surrounding communities.
“For the last three decades, our focus has been on producing top-quality shipping vessels in this area. It brings us immense joy to know that the products made in Balamban are recognized globally,” she stated.
Ms. Auza stated that West Cebu Estate has had a significant impact in improving Balamban’s status from a fourth-class municipality to a first-class one. She also mentioned that this success highlights the great potential within our country, and they are eager to continue advocating for this cause, promoting development, and supporting the skills of the local workforce.
SPI, or Shang Properties, Inc., was included in this year’s list for winning the recognition of Best High End Condo Development (Metro Manila) for Shang Residences at Wack Wack.
According to Wolfgang Krueger, the executive director of SPI, this acknowledgment further confirms their dedication to achieving high standards and creativity in the real estate industry. Additionally, it validates their goal to revolutionize upscale living in Metro Manila and other areas.
“The main reason for our company’s successful strategy is our firm commitment to three fundamental principles,” stated Mr. Krueger. “Quality is the foundation of all our actions, from carefully choosing prime locations to constructing top-of-the-line properties that surpass expectations. Our drive for innovation pushes us to continuously evolve, integrating advanced technology and sustainable practices into our projects. Above all, our customer-focused approach ensures that we prioritize the needs and wants of our clients throughout the development process. By staying true to these principles, we establish lasting value and elevate the standards of luxurious living.”
Sustainable developments
ISOC Land, Inc. has been recognized with multiple awards, including the Best Affordable Condo Development (Metro Manila) and Best Eco Friendly Condo Development for I-Land Residences Sucat. It was also given a Highly Commended mention for its exceptional work in the Best Condo Architectural Design category.
May Lopez, the Vice-President and Business Unit Head of ISOC Land, views this recognition as proof of the company’s dedication to delivering unparalleled value through the inclusion of comfort, convenience, and wellness in our meticulously planned communities.
Ms. Lopez credits the developer’s recognition to their core values of innovation, sustainability, operational excellence, and customer focus, which drive their efforts towards achieving sustainable living for Filipino families.
Ms. Lopez stated that the success of I-Land Residences Sucat demonstrates that today’s Filipino home buyers understand the significance of a sustainable home, which offers more than just material or monetary worth.
PDO received accolades for its PDO Townscapes Malvar project, which was recognized as the top development in both the township and lifestyle categories.
According to Prim Nolido, the President and COO of PDO, their achievements are not solely due to the efforts and determination of their team, but also stem from a guiding principle that transcends superficial appearances.
Mr. Nolido shared that our goal is to not just build impressive buildings, but also to create sustainable communities and neighborhoods. Our approach prioritizes the environment and the well-being of our homeowners and potential residents.
For Mr. Nolido, their company’s strategy has been greatly influenced by their commitment to sustainability.
Our design idea honors the idea of open gardens, representing the natural cycles of life and providing shared spaces for the community to gather.Mr. Nolido
The designer elaborates on their process, stating that they utilize the surroundings and incorporate the natural terrain into their plans. This method supports environmental harmony, minimizes water usage, and strengthens the sustainability and variety of the ecosystem.
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Mr. Nolido explained that the development is planned to be a large, top-quality, environmentally-friendly community and a secure sanctuary with breathtaking scenery, green spaces, and special outdoor facilities. It is situated within a 286-hectare multi-purpose complex along with the Science Park of the Philippines, which is owned by PDO’s sister company. Additionally, a notable aspect is that 50% of the entire area will be designated for open spaces and spacious roads.
Aboitiz Land, Inc. was honored with the distinguished Best Housing Development (Philippines) accolade for their Seafront Residences project, as well as receiving recognition for their Ajoya Cabanatuan and The Villages at Lipa developments.
SM Development Corporation (SMDC) was awarded the Special Recognition in ESG and received various accolades for its projects including Bloom Residences, Glam Residences, Light 2 Residences, and Sands Residences.
Furthermore, Jose R. Soberano III, who holds the positions of chairman, president, and CEO at CLI, was selected as the Philippines Real Estate Personality of the Year by the Property Report team at PropertyGuru magazine. This recognition is in recognition of his accomplishments in spearheading the growth of CLI, a local developer in Metro Cebu, to multiple markets within the country.
Mr. Soberano joins the elite ranks of past winners Henry Sy, Sr. and family, Ramon S. Ang, Manny Villar, and last year’s winner Lourdes Josephine Gotianun-Yap.
The first Rising Star prize was given out by media partner Bridges to siblings Kyle Tan, who is the president and CEO of Eton Properties, and Lucio Tan III, a director at LT Group, Inc., for their noteworthy entrance into the world of real estate.
Fresh motivations
th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards
The winners from the Philippines in the PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards will have the opportunity to proceed to the 18th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards.th
The final event for the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards will take place on December 8th in Bangkok, Thailand. The recipients of these awards will have the chance to showcase their achievements and compete with other outstanding individuals from Southeast Asia, as well as China, Japan, India, and Australia.
“We are incredibly grateful to have been acknowledged as one of the top performers in the country and to have been selected as a representative for the regional awards ceremony in Bangkok,” stated Mr. Sotelo of RLC Residences. “We are also extremely proud to be a part of Robinsons Land and their mission to deliver exceptional real estate projects in the Philippines.”
The recognition of developers in larger-scale projects is inspiring them to fulfill the demands of their target markets in the expanding real estate industry.
Ms. Auza from AIC Economic Estates restated their company’s dedication to promoting industries, improving communities, and positioning the Philippines as an attractive investment destination in Asia.
“In the future, as the top Industrial Developer in the Philippines, we intend to maintain our position as a techglomerate by consistently investing in advanced technologies, promoting a culture of creativity, and cultivating relationships with tech pioneers,” stated the spokesperson.
Relying on their achievements in sustainability, Ms. Lopez from ISOC Land stated that their team will maintain a focus on comfort and well-being while responsibly managing and preserving natural resources for the benefit of future generations.
Mr. Nolido’s goal is for PDO to maintain a focus on sustainability while pursuing projects that prioritize harmonious designs for the betterment of the entire community.
“We are committed to creating sustainable communities that offer greater financial benefits for both investors and homebuyers. The success of PDO Townscapes Malvar, with its significantly higher sales rate compared to traditional communities, serves as a testament to this goal.”
Mr. Krueger, from SPI, is dedicated to maintaining their high standards of quality as they strive to broaden their range of products, increase their reach, and introduce new innovations.
He stated that our future plans involve ongoing creativity in design and sustainability, investment in intelligent technologies, and growth in important areas. We will also prioritize fostering strategic collaborations to provide our clients with distinct options.
FLI, motivated by its recent accolades, remains dedicated to introducing fresh properties to the market. This is evident through its partnership with Nomura Real Estate Group, resulting in the establishment of Federal Land NRE Global, Inc. (FNG). FNG aims to bring top-notch developments to the table, incorporating Japanese advancements and intelligent living ideas.
Behind the awarding
An impartial group of experts, including Cyndy Tan Jarabata, chairperson of the awards in the Philippines and president of TAJARA Leisure & Hospitality Group, Inc.; Carlo Cordaro, president and CEO of Atelier A; Jaime A. Cura, PhD, vice-chairman of The RGV Group of Companies; Jean Jacquelyn Nathania A. de Castro, CEO of ESCA, Inc.; Kathleen P. Obcemea, principal interior designer of KPO Beyond Designs Co.; Luis Enrique T. Mangosing, CEO of Metro Development Managers, Inc. (MDMI); Michelle Barretto, founder and CEO of Vitamin B, Inc.; Philip Mareschal, head of property and asset management of JLL Philippines; Raymond Rufino, CEO of NEO; and Richard Raymundo, managing director of Colliers Philippines, made the decisions for the list of awardees.
Diaz Murillo Dalupan and Company — HLB Philippines upheld the fairness, transparency, and credibility of the selection process under the keen supervision of Ofelia S. Barroga, Lloyd T. Tan, Margaux Zarah Casihan, and Remedios Ducay.
The 11th
The PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards received support from top sponsors Kohler, Boysen Paints, and Dongpeng Ceramic. The official magazine Property Report by PropertyGuru, official newspaper The Philippine STAR, and official publicity partner Ripple8 also contributed to the event. Additionally, the supporting association IFC – Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies and official supervisor HLB were involved. BusinessWorld was also one of the event’s media partners.
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