Sunday, October 23, 2011
BUDGET carrier Cebu Pacific is looking at expanding its operations in China after it grew 30 percent in terms of the number of passengers in the third quarter this year.
In its recent disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, Cebu Pacific announced plans to increase flights to Beijing after its first year of operations there last Sept. 5.
Manila-Beijing-Manila flights will be a four times weekly service starting Jan. 7, 2012 to cope with demand, the airline said.
The company currently flies thrice weekly to Beijing and Guangzhou and daily to Shanghai. Cebu Pacific also has daily flights from Manila to Taipei; six daily flights to Hong Kong from Manila, Clark and Cebu; and 11 weekly flights to Macau from Manila and Clark.
“China is the next growth area for Cebu Pacific. We already serve Northern and Southern China with our current routes, but additional connectivity between our two countries will benefit tourism and trade,” said Cebu Pacific vice-president for marketing and distribution Candice Iyog.
According to Iyog, the Philippines is the nearest tropical destination to China.
“This is evident in the influx of tourists to Boracay and some of our top beach getaways. There are also a lot of enterprises in the Philippines that source out their materials in China. There is a lot of potential for growth, as we take delivery of more planes,” she said.
Cebu Pacific flew almost 2.8 million passengers in the third quarter this year with a system-wide 84 percent load factor. In the first nine months of the year, the airline already flew over 8.7 million passengers, on track for its 12 million target this year.
The airline flew almost 660,000 international and more than 2,129,000 million domestic passengers in the third quarter this year despite the lean travel season.
The number of passengers to and from Taiwan increased by 60 percent, while passengers to and from Vietnam grew by 56 percent. Traffic to and from South Korea also grew by 58 percent, as CEB now flies from both Manila and Cebu to Incheon (Seoul) and Busan.
“The number of Cebu Pacific passengers grew faster than our seat capacity in the third quarter this year. We expect these figures to surge further upward with long holidays, more flights and four new Airbus A320 aircraft that enter into service in the fourth quarter of this year,” Iyog said.
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on October 24, 2011.
Biyernes, Oktubre 28, 2011
Huwebes, Oktubre 27, 2011
Board to help farmers switch to organic way
Sunday, October 23, 2011
IT MAY be have been just a few months since it was first created, but the National Organic Agricultural Board (NOAB) is determined to help small farmers switch from
regular farming methods to organic, a board member assured.
Rey Ramos Pedroso, a member of the NOAB, admitted that most farmers are hesitant, and often worry about capital before considering the switch to organic farming
methods.
The NOAB, he said, was formed after Republic 10068 or the Philippine National Standards on Organic Agriculture Act, was enacted into law. NOAB's mandate is to form
policies pertaining to organic farming standards, implement these standards and monitor farms to make sure they are complying.
Pedroso was keynote speaker during the recent Cebu Going Organic Conference held over the weekend.
He was also tasked by Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala to deliver a speech at the conference.
Alcala, in his speech read by Pedroso, said the NOAB will also spearhead an intensified campaign to educate farmers and consumers on the benefits of organic farming.
He said there are efforts to secure funding for the expansion of organic farms in the country.
For 2011, Alcala said the department has set aside P900 million for policy formulation and accreditation, research and development, promotion of organic farming and
organic inputs like fertilizer and other programs that would improve the prospects of delivery of goods to farmers and stakeholders.
He said the Plant Congress scheduled in Manila next month should help them in their mandate, as global and local updates on organic agriculture will be discussed.
It includes a five-year roadmap for organic agriculture in the country, which he believes will help them "achieve the objectives" of RA 10068.
While he admitted the organic movement in the country is still in its "formative years", he is optimistic this will change in the coming years.
He added that initiatives like the Going Organic conference support the growth and development of the organic movement.
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on October 24, 2011.
IT MAY be have been just a few months since it was first created, but the National Organic Agricultural Board (NOAB) is determined to help small farmers switch from
regular farming methods to organic, a board member assured.
Rey Ramos Pedroso, a member of the NOAB, admitted that most farmers are hesitant, and often worry about capital before considering the switch to organic farming
methods.
The NOAB, he said, was formed after Republic 10068 or the Philippine National Standards on Organic Agriculture Act, was enacted into law. NOAB's mandate is to form
policies pertaining to organic farming standards, implement these standards and monitor farms to make sure they are complying.
Pedroso was keynote speaker during the recent Cebu Going Organic Conference held over the weekend.
He was also tasked by Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala to deliver a speech at the conference.
Alcala, in his speech read by Pedroso, said the NOAB will also spearhead an intensified campaign to educate farmers and consumers on the benefits of organic farming.
He said there are efforts to secure funding for the expansion of organic farms in the country.
For 2011, Alcala said the department has set aside P900 million for policy formulation and accreditation, research and development, promotion of organic farming and
organic inputs like fertilizer and other programs that would improve the prospects of delivery of goods to farmers and stakeholders.
He said the Plant Congress scheduled in Manila next month should help them in their mandate, as global and local updates on organic agriculture will be discussed.
It includes a five-year roadmap for organic agriculture in the country, which he believes will help them "achieve the objectives" of RA 10068.
While he admitted the organic movement in the country is still in its "formative years", he is optimistic this will change in the coming years.
He added that initiatives like the Going Organic conference support the growth and development of the organic movement.
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on October 24, 2011.
‘Stop double your money scheme’
Sunday, October 23, 2011
A MEMBER of the House of Representatives has urged the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to put an end to the double-your-money, five-year term deposit products being
offered by a number of lenders, mostly rural banks.
“These double-your-money offerings, which supposedly guarantee a net interest rate of 15 percent per annum, compounded yearly, clearly constitute unsafe and unsound
banking practice,” said Rep. Arnel Ty, of the sectoral party LPG Marketers’ Association (LPG-MA).
“The promised effective yield is definitely excessive – at three times the average five percent interest rate being offered by reputable banks for five-year deposit
placements,” said Ty, a member of the House committee on banks and financial intermediaries.
He said many of the rural banks that recently collapsed were found tendering the double-your-money scheme.
“These now failed banks were likely already having serious liquidity problems that drove them to offer such sky-high deposit interest rates. Unfortunately, the
extremely high-yielding deposits also pushed them into riskier lending activities that broke the bank,” Ty said.
Ty also urged the state-run Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. (PDIC) to take forceful legal action against the officers of bankrupted lenders found to have committed
fraud or violated the country’s banking laws.
“The fact that each depositor of an insolvent institution is insured up to P500,000 does not make bleeding a bank dry a victimless offense,” he said.
“Depositors of banks in receivership agonize over when they’ll get their money back, and how much they will actually recover. Meanwhile, without access to their funds,
they struggle to cope with living expenses, and to pay obligations such as the school fees of their children, a credit card bill, or a home loan,” Ty pointed out.
“In a way, taxpayers are also victims, since the PDIC is a government instrumentality attached to the Department of Finance,” he added.
Ty previously filed House Resolution 1749, seeking an inquiry into the collapse of LBC Development Bank. Ty said he is hopeful that the House would be able to start
its inquiry upon the resumption of session next month.
On top of Banco Filipino Savings and Mortgage Bank and LBC, the BSP has so far closed 25 mostly rural banks this year.
In 2010, the BSP shut 32 rural banks, including 13 that were linked to the Legacy Group of Companies. (PR)
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on October 24, 2011.
A MEMBER of the House of Representatives has urged the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to put an end to the double-your-money, five-year term deposit products being
offered by a number of lenders, mostly rural banks.
“These double-your-money offerings, which supposedly guarantee a net interest rate of 15 percent per annum, compounded yearly, clearly constitute unsafe and unsound
banking practice,” said Rep. Arnel Ty, of the sectoral party LPG Marketers’ Association (LPG-MA).
“The promised effective yield is definitely excessive – at three times the average five percent interest rate being offered by reputable banks for five-year deposit
placements,” said Ty, a member of the House committee on banks and financial intermediaries.
He said many of the rural banks that recently collapsed were found tendering the double-your-money scheme.
“These now failed banks were likely already having serious liquidity problems that drove them to offer such sky-high deposit interest rates. Unfortunately, the
extremely high-yielding deposits also pushed them into riskier lending activities that broke the bank,” Ty said.
Ty also urged the state-run Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. (PDIC) to take forceful legal action against the officers of bankrupted lenders found to have committed
fraud or violated the country’s banking laws.
“The fact that each depositor of an insolvent institution is insured up to P500,000 does not make bleeding a bank dry a victimless offense,” he said.
“Depositors of banks in receivership agonize over when they’ll get their money back, and how much they will actually recover. Meanwhile, without access to their funds,
they struggle to cope with living expenses, and to pay obligations such as the school fees of their children, a credit card bill, or a home loan,” Ty pointed out.
“In a way, taxpayers are also victims, since the PDIC is a government instrumentality attached to the Department of Finance,” he added.
Ty previously filed House Resolution 1749, seeking an inquiry into the collapse of LBC Development Bank. Ty said he is hopeful that the House would be able to start
its inquiry upon the resumption of session next month.
On top of Banco Filipino Savings and Mortgage Bank and LBC, the BSP has so far closed 25 mostly rural banks this year.
In 2010, the BSP shut 32 rural banks, including 13 that were linked to the Legacy Group of Companies. (PR)
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on October 24, 2011.
Linggo, Oktubre 23, 2011
CCCI to hold 3-day conference to promote organic agriculture
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
THE Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) will be holding a three-day organic fair and conference to promote organic agriculture in Cebu.
Mario Panganiban, chairman of the committee on ways and means of Cebu Going Organic, said the activity is meant to promote sustainability on organic agriculture in the province as well as encourage businesses to venture into organic farming.
“We aim to attract investments in organic farming so we can secure the food of Cebu,” Panganiban said in a press conference on Tuesday.
He reported that Cebu imports 90 percent of its food from neighboring islands and only 10 percent are produced here.
Panganiban said the advocacy also aims to draw interest from the younger generation to consider farming as a source of livelihood.
“The average age of farmers these days is 55 years old and it seems that the children now are no longer interested in farming. So, we hope to address that issue to ensure sustainability in farming industry,” he said.
CCCI partnered with the Department of Agriculture (DA), Cebu Coalition for Food and Security and AFOS Foundation to hold the first Cebu Going Organic (Cebu GO) Fair and Conference on October 21-23 at the Cebu International Convention Center.
According to CCCI, the three-day event will be a “bigger leap” especially in the implementation of sustainable farming system in Cebu as well as neighboring provinces.
The event also advocates healthy lifestyle through an organic approach.
“This event also aims to create a holistic understanding of organic farming, its benefits, advantages and challenges, as well as introduction to appropriate technologies, provision of access to market information and imperatively promote the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 or RA 10068,” CCCI said in a statement.
RA 10068 establishes a comprehensive organic farming program that includes incentives for farmers engaged in the production of agricultural crops free from harmful chemical pesticides and fertilizer.
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on October 20, 2011.
THE Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) will be holding a three-day organic fair and conference to promote organic agriculture in Cebu.
Mario Panganiban, chairman of the committee on ways and means of Cebu Going Organic, said the activity is meant to promote sustainability on organic agriculture in the province as well as encourage businesses to venture into organic farming.
“We aim to attract investments in organic farming so we can secure the food of Cebu,” Panganiban said in a press conference on Tuesday.
He reported that Cebu imports 90 percent of its food from neighboring islands and only 10 percent are produced here.
Panganiban said the advocacy also aims to draw interest from the younger generation to consider farming as a source of livelihood.
“The average age of farmers these days is 55 years old and it seems that the children now are no longer interested in farming. So, we hope to address that issue to ensure sustainability in farming industry,” he said.
CCCI partnered with the Department of Agriculture (DA), Cebu Coalition for Food and Security and AFOS Foundation to hold the first Cebu Going Organic (Cebu GO) Fair and Conference on October 21-23 at the Cebu International Convention Center.
According to CCCI, the three-day event will be a “bigger leap” especially in the implementation of sustainable farming system in Cebu as well as neighboring provinces.
The event also advocates healthy lifestyle through an organic approach.
“This event also aims to create a holistic understanding of organic farming, its benefits, advantages and challenges, as well as introduction to appropriate technologies, provision of access to market information and imperatively promote the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 or RA 10068,” CCCI said in a statement.
RA 10068 establishes a comprehensive organic farming program that includes incentives for farmers engaged in the production of agricultural crops free from harmful chemical pesticides and fertilizer.
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on October 20, 2011.
CCCI celebrates award with pledge to continue being engine of growth
By Katlene O. Cacho
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
AFTER winning two big awards during the Philippine Business Conference and Exposition (PBC&E) last week, the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) pledged to continue its efforts to become the engine of economic growth in Cebu by doing more advocacy programs that would benefit the entire province.
CCCI was awarded this year as the “Most Outstanding Chamber of the Philippines” and the “Most Outstanding Chamber in the Visayas” by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).
In a press conference yesterday, PCCI vice president for Visayas Francis Monera lauded the efforts of the CCCI, saying the chamber was recognized because of its exemplary leadership and dynamism; advocacy programs to the local community; active participation in the regional and national activities; and for being the engine for global competitiveness through its ISO accreditation.
CCCI was awarded the “Most Outstanding Chamber in the Visayas” in 1993, 1994 and 2007.
The chamber was also recognized the “Most Outstanding Chamber of the Philippines” from 1995 until 1997. The chamber also landed twice in the PCCI’s Hall of Fame.
“The recent award we earned is our seventh,” said CCCI president Samuel Chioson.
While the 37th PBC&E focused on the Aquino Administration’s private-public-partnership program, Chioson said the chamber has long started their PPP initiatives here such as the Adopt-a-Police Station and Adopt-A-School programs. He said the chamber will also enter into an agreement with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for their Chamber Forest project.
According to CCCI trustee Mario Panganiban, the chamber will sign a memorandum of agreement with the DENR for the 25-year lease of 500 to 1,000-hectare property for the tree planting project.
In the same event, Panganiban was also named the 2012 Cebu Business Month chair. He said next year’s CBM celebration will focus on the preparation for the CCCI’s centennial celebration and hosting of the Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry Conference on 2013.
“We will build on the momentum of this year’s theme: Business Beyond Boundaries. The four industry tracks such as IT-BPO, tourism, entrepreneurship and growing sectors will still be highlighted,” Panganiban said.
Major events for CBM 2012 will be announced before the end of this year.
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on October 19, 2011.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
AFTER winning two big awards during the Philippine Business Conference and Exposition (PBC&E) last week, the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) pledged to continue its efforts to become the engine of economic growth in Cebu by doing more advocacy programs that would benefit the entire province.
CCCI was awarded this year as the “Most Outstanding Chamber of the Philippines” and the “Most Outstanding Chamber in the Visayas” by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).
In a press conference yesterday, PCCI vice president for Visayas Francis Monera lauded the efforts of the CCCI, saying the chamber was recognized because of its exemplary leadership and dynamism; advocacy programs to the local community; active participation in the regional and national activities; and for being the engine for global competitiveness through its ISO accreditation.
CCCI was awarded the “Most Outstanding Chamber in the Visayas” in 1993, 1994 and 2007.
The chamber was also recognized the “Most Outstanding Chamber of the Philippines” from 1995 until 1997. The chamber also landed twice in the PCCI’s Hall of Fame.
“The recent award we earned is our seventh,” said CCCI president Samuel Chioson.
While the 37th PBC&E focused on the Aquino Administration’s private-public-partnership program, Chioson said the chamber has long started their PPP initiatives here such as the Adopt-a-Police Station and Adopt-A-School programs. He said the chamber will also enter into an agreement with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for their Chamber Forest project.
According to CCCI trustee Mario Panganiban, the chamber will sign a memorandum of agreement with the DENR for the 25-year lease of 500 to 1,000-hectare property for the tree planting project.
In the same event, Panganiban was also named the 2012 Cebu Business Month chair. He said next year’s CBM celebration will focus on the preparation for the CCCI’s centennial celebration and hosting of the Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry Conference on 2013.
“We will build on the momentum of this year’s theme: Business Beyond Boundaries. The four industry tracks such as IT-BPO, tourism, entrepreneurship and growing sectors will still be highlighted,” Panganiban said.
Major events for CBM 2012 will be announced before the end of this year.
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on October 19, 2011.
Biyernes, Oktubre 21, 2011
Cebu airline announces expansion
Monday, October 17, 2011
ENCOURAGED by the growing number of foreign and local tourists who prefer faster travel to island destinations, Cebu-based local carrier Mid-Sea Express announced its expansion to the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Davao.
The company also said it is scheduled to get a new aircraft before the end of the year.
Mid-Sea Express general manager Erlon Ryan Libiran said they are optimistic about their business prospects because of the growing demand for short hub flights in the aviation industry. He said foreign and local tourists prefer faster transport services to the country’s island destinations.
Mid-Sea Express is a new player in the aviation industry. It first served the Cebu-Bohol route since it started operation this year. The company later added new routes to Bantayan, Camiguin, Siquijor and Caticlan.
Unserved areas
“The goal is to mount flights on unserved areas,” Libiran said during the company’s launching last Friday.
Libiran said their airlines operate on a non-scheduled basis, allowing them to cater to a particular niche market. He said Koreans, who compose Cebu’s top travel market, are among their leading clients.
Cebu recorded 206,885 Korean arrivals in the first seven months of this year.
According to the company, it wanted to promote tourism within smaller islands while still serving the routes and destinations that are in high demand.
“With the large and increasing tourist demand in Bohol, the Cebu-Bohol flights are helping increase the island’s chances of making a name among the world’s travelers, just as Boracay recently did in a recent worldwide publication,” the company said.
The company currently maintains two planes with a combined capacity of 18 passengers.
Mid-Sea Express flies 400 to 500 passengers a month. Later this year, Libiran said the company will mount additional flights to the cities of Davao and Cagayan de Oro.
The has purchased a 21-seater British Aesrospace Jetstream 32,which it expected to be delivered next month.
The new aircraft will complement its existing routes from Cebu to Bantayan, Bohol, Siquijor and Camiguin.
Urgent issues
The company also expects the delivery of a 107-seater Fokker 100 by the third quarter of 2012.
While the company expressed optimism in the industry, Libiran said the government should address urgent issues besetting the industry such as the open skies policy and the aviation safety system.
“The industry’s downgrade by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to Category 2 hinders airline carriers from mounting flights to other countries and bringing additional foreign tourists to the country. This would also hinder small players like us from getting into their network and system,” Libiran said.
While the open skies policy is beneficial to the industry, Libiran said it should include reciprocity to also allow small players to serve other countries.
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on October 18, 2011.
ENCOURAGED by the growing number of foreign and local tourists who prefer faster travel to island destinations, Cebu-based local carrier Mid-Sea Express announced its expansion to the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Davao.
The company also said it is scheduled to get a new aircraft before the end of the year.
Mid-Sea Express general manager Erlon Ryan Libiran said they are optimistic about their business prospects because of the growing demand for short hub flights in the aviation industry. He said foreign and local tourists prefer faster transport services to the country’s island destinations.
Mid-Sea Express is a new player in the aviation industry. It first served the Cebu-Bohol route since it started operation this year. The company later added new routes to Bantayan, Camiguin, Siquijor and Caticlan.
Unserved areas
“The goal is to mount flights on unserved areas,” Libiran said during the company’s launching last Friday.
Libiran said their airlines operate on a non-scheduled basis, allowing them to cater to a particular niche market. He said Koreans, who compose Cebu’s top travel market, are among their leading clients.
Cebu recorded 206,885 Korean arrivals in the first seven months of this year.
According to the company, it wanted to promote tourism within smaller islands while still serving the routes and destinations that are in high demand.
“With the large and increasing tourist demand in Bohol, the Cebu-Bohol flights are helping increase the island’s chances of making a name among the world’s travelers, just as Boracay recently did in a recent worldwide publication,” the company said.
The company currently maintains two planes with a combined capacity of 18 passengers.
Mid-Sea Express flies 400 to 500 passengers a month. Later this year, Libiran said the company will mount additional flights to the cities of Davao and Cagayan de Oro.
The has purchased a 21-seater British Aesrospace Jetstream 32,which it expected to be delivered next month.
The new aircraft will complement its existing routes from Cebu to Bantayan, Bohol, Siquijor and Camiguin.
Urgent issues
The company also expects the delivery of a 107-seater Fokker 100 by the third quarter of 2012.
While the company expressed optimism in the industry, Libiran said the government should address urgent issues besetting the industry such as the open skies policy and the aviation safety system.
“The industry’s downgrade by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to Category 2 hinders airline carriers from mounting flights to other countries and bringing additional foreign tourists to the country. This would also hinder small players like us from getting into their network and system,” Libiran said.
While the open skies policy is beneficial to the industry, Libiran said it should include reciprocity to also allow small players to serve other countries.
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on October 18, 2011.
CCCI awarded best chamber
By Katlene O. Cacho
Sunday, October 16, 2011
THE Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) was awarded “Most Outstanding Chamber in the Philippines” this year by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).
The award was given during the 37th Philippine Business Conference and Exposition last Oct. 12 to 14 in Manila Hotel.
CCCI said the latest award is the chamber’s fifth, after it received the same honors in 2006, 2005, 1996 and 1995. CCCI was also named a “Hall of Fame” awardee last 2007.
“Being the largest business organization in Visayas and Mindanao, CCCI never rested on being resilient especially in this challenging era of business dynamism. Having been known to be an active ally of both public and private parties, CCCI remains steadfast in its advocacy in the promotion of a healthier business community within its area of responsibility and beyond,” CCCI said in a statement.
The recent three-day conference focused on public-private partnership, the core program of the Aquino administration, and how collaboration between government and private sector can create a more competitive business and investment climate.
CCCI said that 2011 has been a very vibrant year for the organization after winning two prestigious awards. CCCI also won the bid to host the Confederation of Asia Pacific Chamber of Commerce and Industry Conference in March 2013.
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on October 17, 2011.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
THE Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) was awarded “Most Outstanding Chamber in the Philippines” this year by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).
The award was given during the 37th Philippine Business Conference and Exposition last Oct. 12 to 14 in Manila Hotel.
CCCI said the latest award is the chamber’s fifth, after it received the same honors in 2006, 2005, 1996 and 1995. CCCI was also named a “Hall of Fame” awardee last 2007.
“Being the largest business organization in Visayas and Mindanao, CCCI never rested on being resilient especially in this challenging era of business dynamism. Having been known to be an active ally of both public and private parties, CCCI remains steadfast in its advocacy in the promotion of a healthier business community within its area of responsibility and beyond,” CCCI said in a statement.
The recent three-day conference focused on public-private partnership, the core program of the Aquino administration, and how collaboration between government and private sector can create a more competitive business and investment climate.
CCCI said that 2011 has been a very vibrant year for the organization after winning two prestigious awards. CCCI also won the bid to host the Confederation of Asia Pacific Chamber of Commerce and Industry Conference in March 2013.
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on October 17, 2011.
CBP reports accelerated development
By Katlene O. Cacho
Thursday, October 13, 2011
AYALA-LED Cebu Business Park (CBP) reported an accelerated growth in construction this year with six ongoing developments and two more to start within the year.
Property developer Cebu Holdings Inc. (CHI) said that upon completion, these projects will bring in a total of over 118,000 square meters (sq.m) of gross floor area for office, residential and commercial purposes.
Its major project, the Ayala Center Cebu expansion, is expected to bring in over 36,000 sq.m. of additional leasable space. CHI said the expansion, which is set to be completed by 2013, would strengthen the mall’s positioning as shopping, dining and entertainment destination in Cebu.
CHI also reported that City Sports Club is also undergoing major enhancement.
CHI is a subsidiary of AyalaLand Inc.
For its residential components, CHI said construction of AyalaLand Premier’s 1016 Residences and Alveo’s project Sedona Parc are both underway. The two projects are scheduled to be completed in 2014.
1016 Residences is a 24-storey residential condominium that will have 109 units of “country club living” while Sedona Parc is a 21-storey building that will offer 114 units of “designer living.”
Also under construction are residential condominiums Avalon and Calyx Residences.
The company said the buildup of both residential and property developments at CBP is fueled by the confidence and optimism of local investors on the country’s booming real estate industry as well as CBP’s accreditation from the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) as an information technology (IT) Park.
Largest
The CBP is currently the largest operating Peza-accredited IT park in the country that houses top local and international corporations ranging from major banks and IT-BPO companies.
In a separate interview, Senator Ferdinand “BongBong” Marcos Jr. said the real estate industry (both property and residential developments) will continue to sustain its growth in the short and medium term.
He cited the strong inflow of overseas remittances and expansion of BPO companies as factors that would affect the demand of more office, commercial and residential requirements in the country.
Philippine Association of Real Estate Board president Ariel Martinez said that real estate in Cebu is growing at an average of 15 to 20 percent, which is faster than that of Manila. He said while Metro Manila is becoming saturated, the trend of developments now is directed towards regional areas.
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on October 14, 2011.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
AYALA-LED Cebu Business Park (CBP) reported an accelerated growth in construction this year with six ongoing developments and two more to start within the year.
Property developer Cebu Holdings Inc. (CHI) said that upon completion, these projects will bring in a total of over 118,000 square meters (sq.m) of gross floor area for office, residential and commercial purposes.
Its major project, the Ayala Center Cebu expansion, is expected to bring in over 36,000 sq.m. of additional leasable space. CHI said the expansion, which is set to be completed by 2013, would strengthen the mall’s positioning as shopping, dining and entertainment destination in Cebu.
CHI also reported that City Sports Club is also undergoing major enhancement.
CHI is a subsidiary of AyalaLand Inc.
For its residential components, CHI said construction of AyalaLand Premier’s 1016 Residences and Alveo’s project Sedona Parc are both underway. The two projects are scheduled to be completed in 2014.
1016 Residences is a 24-storey residential condominium that will have 109 units of “country club living” while Sedona Parc is a 21-storey building that will offer 114 units of “designer living.”
Also under construction are residential condominiums Avalon and Calyx Residences.
The company said the buildup of both residential and property developments at CBP is fueled by the confidence and optimism of local investors on the country’s booming real estate industry as well as CBP’s accreditation from the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) as an information technology (IT) Park.
Largest
The CBP is currently the largest operating Peza-accredited IT park in the country that houses top local and international corporations ranging from major banks and IT-BPO companies.
In a separate interview, Senator Ferdinand “BongBong” Marcos Jr. said the real estate industry (both property and residential developments) will continue to sustain its growth in the short and medium term.
He cited the strong inflow of overseas remittances and expansion of BPO companies as factors that would affect the demand of more office, commercial and residential requirements in the country.
Philippine Association of Real Estate Board president Ariel Martinez said that real estate in Cebu is growing at an average of 15 to 20 percent, which is faster than that of Manila. He said while Metro Manila is becoming saturated, the trend of developments now is directed towards regional areas.
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on October 14, 2011.
Miyerkules, Oktubre 19, 2011
Ng: Innovation and small businesses
By Wilson Ng
Wired Desktop
Thursday, October 13, 2011
CONGRATULATIONS to Mr. Erramon Aboitiz for winning this year’s Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year award. Finally, on its eight year, somebody from Cebu got the plum award.
I am currently attending the 37th Philippine Business Conference and for the nth time, most speakers talk about using innovation, especially for small and medium businesses, as a way to be competitive and win in the market place.
Innovation is an overused word. When I taught business, most book authors talked about innovation. When they asked what makes Steve Jobs and Apple click, they say it is innovation. When they talked about why Google or Facebook or Cisco wins in the marketplace, they say it is innovation. Even in cooking contests or music, they always say the way to win is to innovate.
Recently, US President Barack Obama launched the Small Business Jobs Act, in which he also lauded the small businesses and entrepreneurs, who will design new products, and who will create the new jobs to solve the unemployment problem. Ditto also for the
Philippine officials.
However, do SMEs really innovate? Or for that matter, do they even have the capability to do so?
A study concluded after polling many small business that this is wishful thinking.
Most people go into small business not by launching a new product or a new idea but merely by serving an existing customer or perceived need, with an existing product.
Many of them do not have any research budget and as a writer rightly pointed out, they just want to open another massage center, Internet café, or sari sari store rather than launch something untried.
In short, for every Google or Facebook, over 99 percent of the businesses are launching and continuing a struggling businesses that just want to make do or continue what they used to do before. It is simply too much to expect them to do much except survive and exist.
Most new owners started businesses because they want to be their own bosses or keep flexible working hours, not because they have a new business idea.
So the image of an entrepreneur who renders aging technologies obsolete and who takes risks to fulfill a dream is not always true.
New businesses, however, are important. People have an ever-increasing need to buy new clothes, try new restaurants or experience new services. And they do create new employment and increases jobs, which is important.
And maybe because so few people do innovate, it does make it a powerful idea and those who practice it successfully can gain a real competitive advantage.
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on October 14, 2011.
Wired Desktop
Thursday, October 13, 2011
CONGRATULATIONS to Mr. Erramon Aboitiz for winning this year’s Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year award. Finally, on its eight year, somebody from Cebu got the plum award.
I am currently attending the 37th Philippine Business Conference and for the nth time, most speakers talk about using innovation, especially for small and medium businesses, as a way to be competitive and win in the market place.
Innovation is an overused word. When I taught business, most book authors talked about innovation. When they asked what makes Steve Jobs and Apple click, they say it is innovation. When they talked about why Google or Facebook or Cisco wins in the marketplace, they say it is innovation. Even in cooking contests or music, they always say the way to win is to innovate.
Recently, US President Barack Obama launched the Small Business Jobs Act, in which he also lauded the small businesses and entrepreneurs, who will design new products, and who will create the new jobs to solve the unemployment problem. Ditto also for the
Philippine officials.
However, do SMEs really innovate? Or for that matter, do they even have the capability to do so?
A study concluded after polling many small business that this is wishful thinking.
Most people go into small business not by launching a new product or a new idea but merely by serving an existing customer or perceived need, with an existing product.
Many of them do not have any research budget and as a writer rightly pointed out, they just want to open another massage center, Internet café, or sari sari store rather than launch something untried.
In short, for every Google or Facebook, over 99 percent of the businesses are launching and continuing a struggling businesses that just want to make do or continue what they used to do before. It is simply too much to expect them to do much except survive and exist.
Most new owners started businesses because they want to be their own bosses or keep flexible working hours, not because they have a new business idea.
So the image of an entrepreneur who renders aging technologies obsolete and who takes risks to fulfill a dream is not always true.
New businesses, however, are important. People have an ever-increasing need to buy new clothes, try new restaurants or experience new services. And they do create new employment and increases jobs, which is important.
And maybe because so few people do innovate, it does make it a powerful idea and those who practice it successfully can gain a real competitive advantage.
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on October 14, 2011.
Students told: Study real estate
By Katlene O. Cacho
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
INSTEAD of taking the usual courses in college, high school students are encouraged to take the four-year degree course in Real Estate Management to take advantage of opportunities in the country’s booming real estate industry.
Philippine Association of Real Estate Boards, Inc. (Pareb) president Ariel Martinez said there will be a number of schools and universities nationwide that will start offering Bachelor of Science in Real Estate Management in the next school year.
He said this is an opportunity for the industry to get fresh and skilled graduates to join the growing real estate industry.
“Aside from taking the usual courses in college, we are hoping students to consider real estate management as a profession,” Martinez said at the sidelines of the 51st Pareb National Convention held last week at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.
Opportunities
He said there are opportunities in the industry with the numerous real estate developments particularly in key cities in the country today. “There are many real estate service practitioners today now making billions in the industry. If you wanted to have a job where you are the boss, then this is one profession good for you,” he said.
Pareb is the oldest and largest real estate service organization in the country founded in 1960. It is the umbrella organization of 58 local member boards nationwide with membership of almost 4,000 licensed real estate professionals.
Martinez said that apart from professionalizing the real estate service management, the course offered will also help the industry get rid of “colorum” or unlicensed real estate practitioners.
Before the Real Estate Service Act (Resa) 2009 was passed into law, real estate practitioners were handled by the Department of Trade and Industry under the Bureau of Trade Regulation and Consumer Protection.
“There was little regulation that time. The proliferation of unlicensed real estate practitioners has hindered the industry from becoming globally competitive. But with Resa coming into the picture, the profession has been uplifted,” he said.
Martinez said people who want to become a real estate service practitioner should pass the examination and get a license from the Professional Regulatory Board on Real Estate Service.
“The law is created not only to uplift the profession but also to protect the buyers and the public in real estate transactions,” he said.
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on October 12, 2011.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
INSTEAD of taking the usual courses in college, high school students are encouraged to take the four-year degree course in Real Estate Management to take advantage of opportunities in the country’s booming real estate industry.
Philippine Association of Real Estate Boards, Inc. (Pareb) president Ariel Martinez said there will be a number of schools and universities nationwide that will start offering Bachelor of Science in Real Estate Management in the next school year.
He said this is an opportunity for the industry to get fresh and skilled graduates to join the growing real estate industry.
“Aside from taking the usual courses in college, we are hoping students to consider real estate management as a profession,” Martinez said at the sidelines of the 51st Pareb National Convention held last week at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.
Opportunities
He said there are opportunities in the industry with the numerous real estate developments particularly in key cities in the country today. “There are many real estate service practitioners today now making billions in the industry. If you wanted to have a job where you are the boss, then this is one profession good for you,” he said.
Pareb is the oldest and largest real estate service organization in the country founded in 1960. It is the umbrella organization of 58 local member boards nationwide with membership of almost 4,000 licensed real estate professionals.
Martinez said that apart from professionalizing the real estate service management, the course offered will also help the industry get rid of “colorum” or unlicensed real estate practitioners.
Before the Real Estate Service Act (Resa) 2009 was passed into law, real estate practitioners were handled by the Department of Trade and Industry under the Bureau of Trade Regulation and Consumer Protection.
“There was little regulation that time. The proliferation of unlicensed real estate practitioners has hindered the industry from becoming globally competitive. But with Resa coming into the picture, the profession has been uplifted,” he said.
Martinez said people who want to become a real estate service practitioner should pass the examination and get a license from the Professional Regulatory Board on Real Estate Service.
“The law is created not only to uplift the profession but also to protect the buyers and the public in real estate transactions,” he said.
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on October 12, 2011.
BPO company unveils building
By Katlene O. Cacho
Monday, October 10, 2011
GLOBAL outsourcing firm Aegis PeopleSupport launched yesterday its 12-storey Aegis Tower Cebu at the Asiatown I.T. Park.
Top officials said the company’s expansion in Cebu signifies their commitment to and confidence in the country’s booming business process outsourcing (BPO) industry and Cebu’s workforce.
“We are the only (BPO company) that is putting dollars on the ground, which means we are here for good,” said Aegis Limited managing director and global chief executive officer Aparup Sengupta in a press conference at the Cebu City Marriott Hotel.
Sengupta cited proximity, hospitality, excellent English communication skills and strong service culture as among Cebu’s attractive characteristics for BPO investors.
“We aim to become a $1-billion company, crossing the 60,000 mark in headcount by March 2012. The Philippine market plays a big part in helping us achieve our goals,” Sengupta said.
Commitment
Aegis invested P2 billion for the building of Aegis Tower Cebu, whose development comes in two phases.
“It’s a proof of our commitment to the Philippines and to the Filipino talent. Cebu continues to provide an extremely skilled workforce providing great affinity with the right experience for our local and international clients,” said Rajiv Ahuja, Aegis Limited president for Asean and ANZ.
Aegis has about 50, 000 employees in 50 locations in 12 countries.
In the Philippines, the firm has about 12,000 employees with other offices located in Manila and Baguio. Cebu has about 4,000 employees. Ahuja said they hope to increase the Cebu workforce by hiring 2,000 more employees with the completion of the Tower’s Phase 2.
Aegis Tower Cebu sits on a 3,300 square meter property. Apart from the being the first
company-owned BPO building, the facility also boasts of being one of the first BPO green buildings in the country.
According to the firm, the building was designed to maximize energy efficiency, using sustainable materials sourced from suppliers with environment-friendly practices.
The tower’s Phase 1 aims to become the first Gold-Level purpose-built BPO building in the Philippines, certified under the US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) version 2.2 standard for new construction and major renovation. The Phase 2 project, which will be completed next year, also aims for the same certification under the LEED.
Liza Lamzon, Aegis PeopleSupport Inc. vice president for strategic programs, said the company will be fully integrated by the end of 2012 with the completion of its Phase 2 building. She said the firm is currently in transition, transferring manpower and resources from previous locations at e-Office and Skyrise 1.
The combined phases of the building will bring a total capacity of 8, 000 employees.
Among the tower’s amenities include a customized applicant experience center; a two-level fitness center with dance studio; a recreation center; a roof-top garden; two basements and three floors of parking spaces.
Growing faster
The global outsourcing and offshoring industry is estimated to reach $270 billion in the next five years. growing at an average of 15 percent a year, according to Aegis chief people officer S.M. Gupta.
He said the Philippines is growing faster than the global growth rate of more than 23 percent in the last 10 years. Gupta said the country has to take advantage of this growth and continue producing a large talent pool for the BPO and IT industry.
However, talent pool requirement is one of the major challenges faced by the BPO sector. Sengupta said this is one major area that needs to be addressed by the government and other private stakeholders considering that Cebu has become a preferred BPO destination.
“What if we will be hiring 1,000 employees in three months, will Cebu have the ability to produce the required number?” Sengupta said. He noted that talent pool in metro cities is slowly drying up.
Search for talent
“We are looking at either going to provinces and searching for this talent or going to these provinces and putting up establishments,” he said.
Aegis serves a spectrum of industries such as banking, financial services, insurance, telecom, healthcare, travel and hospitality, consumer goods, retail and technology.
Known for its aggressive acquisition strategy, Aegis Limited entered into a definitive merger agreement with PeopleSupport in 2008. Aegis is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Essar Group, a $17-billion conglomerate based in Mumbai, India.
Aegis was ranked third among top BPO players in India in a recent survey by Dataquest, a leading knowledge publication. The firm is also recognized among the top four BPO companies in Nasscom’s recent annual BPO ranking this year.
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on October 11, 2011.
Monday, October 10, 2011
GLOBAL outsourcing firm Aegis PeopleSupport launched yesterday its 12-storey Aegis Tower Cebu at the Asiatown I.T. Park.
Top officials said the company’s expansion in Cebu signifies their commitment to and confidence in the country’s booming business process outsourcing (BPO) industry and Cebu’s workforce.
“We are the only (BPO company) that is putting dollars on the ground, which means we are here for good,” said Aegis Limited managing director and global chief executive officer Aparup Sengupta in a press conference at the Cebu City Marriott Hotel.
Sengupta cited proximity, hospitality, excellent English communication skills and strong service culture as among Cebu’s attractive characteristics for BPO investors.
“We aim to become a $1-billion company, crossing the 60,000 mark in headcount by March 2012. The Philippine market plays a big part in helping us achieve our goals,” Sengupta said.
Commitment
Aegis invested P2 billion for the building of Aegis Tower Cebu, whose development comes in two phases.
“It’s a proof of our commitment to the Philippines and to the Filipino talent. Cebu continues to provide an extremely skilled workforce providing great affinity with the right experience for our local and international clients,” said Rajiv Ahuja, Aegis Limited president for Asean and ANZ.
Aegis has about 50, 000 employees in 50 locations in 12 countries.
In the Philippines, the firm has about 12,000 employees with other offices located in Manila and Baguio. Cebu has about 4,000 employees. Ahuja said they hope to increase the Cebu workforce by hiring 2,000 more employees with the completion of the Tower’s Phase 2.
Aegis Tower Cebu sits on a 3,300 square meter property. Apart from the being the first
company-owned BPO building, the facility also boasts of being one of the first BPO green buildings in the country.
According to the firm, the building was designed to maximize energy efficiency, using sustainable materials sourced from suppliers with environment-friendly practices.
The tower’s Phase 1 aims to become the first Gold-Level purpose-built BPO building in the Philippines, certified under the US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) version 2.2 standard for new construction and major renovation. The Phase 2 project, which will be completed next year, also aims for the same certification under the LEED.
Liza Lamzon, Aegis PeopleSupport Inc. vice president for strategic programs, said the company will be fully integrated by the end of 2012 with the completion of its Phase 2 building. She said the firm is currently in transition, transferring manpower and resources from previous locations at e-Office and Skyrise 1.
The combined phases of the building will bring a total capacity of 8, 000 employees.
Among the tower’s amenities include a customized applicant experience center; a two-level fitness center with dance studio; a recreation center; a roof-top garden; two basements and three floors of parking spaces.
Growing faster
The global outsourcing and offshoring industry is estimated to reach $270 billion in the next five years. growing at an average of 15 percent a year, according to Aegis chief people officer S.M. Gupta.
He said the Philippines is growing faster than the global growth rate of more than 23 percent in the last 10 years. Gupta said the country has to take advantage of this growth and continue producing a large talent pool for the BPO and IT industry.
However, talent pool requirement is one of the major challenges faced by the BPO sector. Sengupta said this is one major area that needs to be addressed by the government and other private stakeholders considering that Cebu has become a preferred BPO destination.
“What if we will be hiring 1,000 employees in three months, will Cebu have the ability to produce the required number?” Sengupta said. He noted that talent pool in metro cities is slowly drying up.
Search for talent
“We are looking at either going to provinces and searching for this talent or going to these provinces and putting up establishments,” he said.
Aegis serves a spectrum of industries such as banking, financial services, insurance, telecom, healthcare, travel and hospitality, consumer goods, retail and technology.
Known for its aggressive acquisition strategy, Aegis Limited entered into a definitive merger agreement with PeopleSupport in 2008. Aegis is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Essar Group, a $17-billion conglomerate based in Mumbai, India.
Aegis was ranked third among top BPO players in India in a recent survey by Dataquest, a leading knowledge publication. The firm is also recognized among the top four BPO companies in Nasscom’s recent annual BPO ranking this year.
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on October 11, 2011.
Firm poised to launch resort-type condo
By Mia A. Aznar
Friday, October 7, 2011
THE property development unit of the Aboitiz group prepares for the launch of its latest mid-rise condominium project this month.
AboitizLand Inc. said the first phase of Hanaya—a 5.2-hectare mid-rise condominium project in Barangay Canduman, Mandaue City—will be completed by the second quarter of 2013.
Derived from the Cebuano word “hayahay” (comfortable) and the Japanese term “hanayo” or world of flowers, Hanaya is designed for start-up families and busy professionals who are tired of the city life as the property will have resort-type design and features.
AboitizLand senior vice president for operations Pia Montecon said the total investment for the first phase reached P750 million, which includes four buildings consisting of 94 condominium units per building and central amenities.
Each building will have six floors, with 16 units in each floor.
To maintain a relaxed feel, the design includes a garden atrium at the center of each building for better ventilation, and a skylight to maximize natural lighting in corridors.
The firm also assured that unit layouts were unique because views of the garden from the balcony are immediately seen upon entry while single loaded corridors assure unit owners of privacy and spacious hallways.
The project’s amenities include two pools, pavilion and gazebos, themed gardens and parks, barbecue stations, exercise stations, jogging trails, basketball court with benches, clubhouse, function rooms, gym, game room, karaoke rooms and playroom.
The development can be accessed from five different areas in Barangay Talamban, Cebu City and Mandaue City. This gives convenience to those whose children study at nearby schools, like Ateneo de Cebu, Cebu International School and Maria Montessori International School.
The developer has completed plans for the second phase of the project, which will be launched depending on market response to the first phase.
Montecon said the developer will launch another project similar to Pristina North before the year ends.
She said the project will be “double the size” of Pristina North and will be launched next month for the high-end market. She assured the prices of lots will be “worth it.”
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on October 07, 2011.
Friday, October 7, 2011
THE property development unit of the Aboitiz group prepares for the launch of its latest mid-rise condominium project this month.
AboitizLand Inc. said the first phase of Hanaya—a 5.2-hectare mid-rise condominium project in Barangay Canduman, Mandaue City—will be completed by the second quarter of 2013.
Derived from the Cebuano word “hayahay” (comfortable) and the Japanese term “hanayo” or world of flowers, Hanaya is designed for start-up families and busy professionals who are tired of the city life as the property will have resort-type design and features.
AboitizLand senior vice president for operations Pia Montecon said the total investment for the first phase reached P750 million, which includes four buildings consisting of 94 condominium units per building and central amenities.
Each building will have six floors, with 16 units in each floor.
To maintain a relaxed feel, the design includes a garden atrium at the center of each building for better ventilation, and a skylight to maximize natural lighting in corridors.
The firm also assured that unit layouts were unique because views of the garden from the balcony are immediately seen upon entry while single loaded corridors assure unit owners of privacy and spacious hallways.
The project’s amenities include two pools, pavilion and gazebos, themed gardens and parks, barbecue stations, exercise stations, jogging trails, basketball court with benches, clubhouse, function rooms, gym, game room, karaoke rooms and playroom.
The development can be accessed from five different areas in Barangay Talamban, Cebu City and Mandaue City. This gives convenience to those whose children study at nearby schools, like Ateneo de Cebu, Cebu International School and Maria Montessori International School.
The developer has completed plans for the second phase of the project, which will be launched depending on market response to the first phase.
Montecon said the developer will launch another project similar to Pristina North before the year ends.
She said the project will be “double the size” of Pristina North and will be launched next month for the high-end market. She assured the prices of lots will be “worth it.”
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on October 07, 2011.
AboitizLand set to launch resort-themed condo project
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
ABOITIZLAND has announced the launching this month of its latest residential project, Hanaya, a resort-themed condominium development in Canduman, Mandaue City.
The village, rising on a 5.2-hectare property, offers the highest percentage of open spaces ever integrated into a condominium development in Cebu, the company said in a press statement.
The community has a 70:30 open space-to-building ratio and is designed around lush green spaces and resort-feel amenities.
AboitizLand Sales Manager Grace Lepiten said Hanaya is “a real value-for-money investment, so attractively priced that after you have acquired your unit you will have a lot more left to enjoy the good life.”
Financing
Lepiten said Hanaya is currently being offered for a P25,000 reservation fee. Under the project’s financing scheme, clients have the option of spreading the 20 percent downpayment over an 18-month period. The balance can be covered by bank financing and is payable over a 15-year term.
“AboitizLand has designed Hanaya to be an easy yet secure investment – good location, excellent design, a totally rewarding experience,” Lepiten said.
Hanaya’s location is within minutes of the business and industrial hubs of Cebu and Mandaue Cities, schools, recreational and commercial centers and the international airport in Mactan. It is accessible through Gov. M. Cuenco Ave. in Banilad, Cebu City and through H. Abellana St. from the North National Highway in Mandaue City.
Its residential buildings are designed around a host of amenities – pools, gazebos, gardens, fitness trails and entertainment areas. Every residential building has a garden atrium that encourages ventilation and ample daytime lighting.
The company said Hanaya is the first for a project of its size in Cebu. It is designed with single-loading corridors – each unit opening into the atrium’s overhead space. With this design, corridors are airy and uncluttered, the company said.
Building heights at Hanaya are limited to six storeys. Each building has its own elevator, two open-type stairways, basement parking and street parking areas, roof deck, closed-circuit security television system, standby power, fire house cabinets, heat and smoke detectors, alarms and sprinkler system, fire exits and centralized garbage room.
Hanaya offers standard, deluxe and suite units in two- or three-bedroom designs. All units have either a balcony or a patio.
Lepiten said Hanaya is a viable investment, whether as a first or second home. Clients “can purchase a unit to use as their main home, or as a ‘resthouse’ within the city. It also has great potential in the rental market,” she said. (PR)
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on October 05, 2011.
ABOITIZLAND has announced the launching this month of its latest residential project, Hanaya, a resort-themed condominium development in Canduman, Mandaue City.
The village, rising on a 5.2-hectare property, offers the highest percentage of open spaces ever integrated into a condominium development in Cebu, the company said in a press statement.
The community has a 70:30 open space-to-building ratio and is designed around lush green spaces and resort-feel amenities.
AboitizLand Sales Manager Grace Lepiten said Hanaya is “a real value-for-money investment, so attractively priced that after you have acquired your unit you will have a lot more left to enjoy the good life.”
Financing
Lepiten said Hanaya is currently being offered for a P25,000 reservation fee. Under the project’s financing scheme, clients have the option of spreading the 20 percent downpayment over an 18-month period. The balance can be covered by bank financing and is payable over a 15-year term.
“AboitizLand has designed Hanaya to be an easy yet secure investment – good location, excellent design, a totally rewarding experience,” Lepiten said.
Hanaya’s location is within minutes of the business and industrial hubs of Cebu and Mandaue Cities, schools, recreational and commercial centers and the international airport in Mactan. It is accessible through Gov. M. Cuenco Ave. in Banilad, Cebu City and through H. Abellana St. from the North National Highway in Mandaue City.
Its residential buildings are designed around a host of amenities – pools, gazebos, gardens, fitness trails and entertainment areas. Every residential building has a garden atrium that encourages ventilation and ample daytime lighting.
The company said Hanaya is the first for a project of its size in Cebu. It is designed with single-loading corridors – each unit opening into the atrium’s overhead space. With this design, corridors are airy and uncluttered, the company said.
Building heights at Hanaya are limited to six storeys. Each building has its own elevator, two open-type stairways, basement parking and street parking areas, roof deck, closed-circuit security television system, standby power, fire house cabinets, heat and smoke detectors, alarms and sprinkler system, fire exits and centralized garbage room.
Hanaya offers standard, deluxe and suite units in two- or three-bedroom designs. All units have either a balcony or a patio.
Lepiten said Hanaya is a viable investment, whether as a first or second home. Clients “can purchase a unit to use as their main home, or as a ‘resthouse’ within the city. It also has great potential in the rental market,” she said. (PR)
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on October 05, 2011.
The Persimmon delivers units
By Katlene O. Cacho
Sunday, October 2, 2011
ABOITIZLAND’S flagship condominium project, The Persimmon, delivered its second tower to unit owners on Friday.
The company said that despite the entry of new players in the condominium category, it is still optimistic to get a good share of Cebu’s booming real estate market.
Aboitizland marketing manager Lorelie Ylaya said the differentiation and brand quality of its condominium project are among their competitive advantages over other players.
She said The Persimmon has the advantage of a good location, attractive pricing and the convenience of an integrated commercial hub, The Persimmon Plus.
The second tower, called the North Tower, has 157 units. Unlike Persimmon West, the first tower that was completed last year, which was bought for rentals, the North Tower is more for end-users, Ylaya said.
“A lot of people from neighboring regions bought units for their children, who are studying here. The second tower is really more for end-users living in the purchased units,” she said.
The Persimmon North has landscaped open spaces, function and board rooms as well as administration and security offices. The condo project has three unit types: studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units.
The prices of studio units range from P1.8 million to P2.1 million; one-bedroom units at P3.1 million to P3.5 million; and two-bedroom units at P5 million and higher. Ylaya said that of the 157 units, only 30 percent are left for sale.
Ylaya said real estate players credited the optimism in the industry to the continued surge of remittances from Filipinos working abroad. Money sent home by Filipinos living and working overseas reached $11.351 billion in the first seven months, up by 6.3 percent from last year, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
Apart from relying on overseas remittances, Ylaya said they also strengthened their marketing promotions through social networking sites. She said technology enables them to reach potential buyers even in other regions.
With the completion of its second tower, Ylaya said the firm now is in the planning stages of building the third and fourth towers. The firm is set to break ground next year.
According to the recent real estate forum organized in Cebu by the Salesman’s Centre-the Institute of Sales Training and Entrepreneurial Development, the real estate industry in the country is valued at P300 billion a year.
Condo living, which was originally offered to the high-end market 20 years ago, has now evolved, with the middle-income market being served.
Despite the entry of new players in the industry and amid the fear of oversupply, DMCI Homes sales director Florante Ofrecio said “the market is still there as the middle –income class has grown so much.”
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on October 03, 2011.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
ABOITIZLAND’S flagship condominium project, The Persimmon, delivered its second tower to unit owners on Friday.
The company said that despite the entry of new players in the condominium category, it is still optimistic to get a good share of Cebu’s booming real estate market.
Aboitizland marketing manager Lorelie Ylaya said the differentiation and brand quality of its condominium project are among their competitive advantages over other players.
She said The Persimmon has the advantage of a good location, attractive pricing and the convenience of an integrated commercial hub, The Persimmon Plus.
The second tower, called the North Tower, has 157 units. Unlike Persimmon West, the first tower that was completed last year, which was bought for rentals, the North Tower is more for end-users, Ylaya said.
“A lot of people from neighboring regions bought units for their children, who are studying here. The second tower is really more for end-users living in the purchased units,” she said.
The Persimmon North has landscaped open spaces, function and board rooms as well as administration and security offices. The condo project has three unit types: studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units.
The prices of studio units range from P1.8 million to P2.1 million; one-bedroom units at P3.1 million to P3.5 million; and two-bedroom units at P5 million and higher. Ylaya said that of the 157 units, only 30 percent are left for sale.
Ylaya said real estate players credited the optimism in the industry to the continued surge of remittances from Filipinos working abroad. Money sent home by Filipinos living and working overseas reached $11.351 billion in the first seven months, up by 6.3 percent from last year, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
Apart from relying on overseas remittances, Ylaya said they also strengthened their marketing promotions through social networking sites. She said technology enables them to reach potential buyers even in other regions.
With the completion of its second tower, Ylaya said the firm now is in the planning stages of building the third and fourth towers. The firm is set to break ground next year.
According to the recent real estate forum organized in Cebu by the Salesman’s Centre-the Institute of Sales Training and Entrepreneurial Development, the real estate industry in the country is valued at P300 billion a year.
Condo living, which was originally offered to the high-end market 20 years ago, has now evolved, with the middle-income market being served.
Despite the entry of new players in the industry and amid the fear of oversupply, DMCI Homes sales director Florante Ofrecio said “the market is still there as the middle –income class has grown so much.”
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on October 03, 2011.
Huwebes, Oktubre 13, 2011
BPI unveils program for housing loans
By Mia A. Aznar
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
WITH real estate booming in Cebu for the last two years, a bank has brought a national event to the province in hopes of catering to Cebuanos planning to purchase homes before the year ends.
BPI Family Savings Bank announced a three-day Housing Madness event beginning this Friday, which officials believe will be successful, given the active Cebuano real estate market.
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BPI Family Savings president Jose Teodoro Limcaoco told reporters that regular housing loans in Cebu grew 25 percent in 2010.
The Housing Madness sale being their flagship program for housing, Limcaoco said it was only right for them to bring it to Cebu for the first time.
Banking officials assured buyers will get special deals, both from developers and from the bank, if they avail of the regular housing loan within the three days.
Herbert Tuason, vice president and head of product marketing, announced that those who purchase during the sale will benefit from waived appraisal and registration fees, P10,000 off from their first monthly amortization, a free gold Mastercard and the option to avail of their latest offer, the BPI PayHinga, a one-month pay break offer on the amortization.
Waived fee
Tuason said clients save a lot with the waived registration fee, which is about P14,000 for every P1 million. Appraisal fees also reach P3,500.
Limcaoco explained that the PayHinga is something they are offering to clients after the noticed that there is at least one month in a year that clients have difficulty in making their payments on time, and that is during enrolment.
The PayHinga allows clients to choose one month of the year where they won't have to pay their monthly amortization.
Though they already started advertising the product, Limcaoco said this was their first formal announcement of the product. He added that this is a first in the country.
Senior vice president and head of the retail mortgage division Jocelyn Sta. Ana assured that they carefully picked the developers who would be participating in the sale, saying they wanted to be sure their clients would have the best options laid out for them.
The sale, she said, would work like a mall where buyers can choose which project is best for them all in one area.
"We are committed to helping every Filipino family get their dream homes. Through the Housing Madness, we hope to do just that by bringing together the best developers, special rates and more dynamic financing schemes favorable to our clients, all under one roof," she said.
She said that aside from the deals the bank is offering, developers will also be offering their own deals just for the event.
Developers
The 17 developers who will be joining the sale are Aboitizland, AE International, Ayala Land Premier, Alveo Land, Avida Land, Arcenas Properties, Crown Communities, Cebu Landmasters, CLS Properties, Colourfield Land, Innoland Development, Lopzcom Development, MLD Dream Builders, Nexland Estate, Primary Homes, Robinsonsland and Taft Property.
Tuason added that if a client cannot pass by the Ayala Center Cebu during ther Housing Madness dates, they can still avail of the perks offered during the sale if they apply for a regular housing loan at the BPI Family Savings website.
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on October 13, 2011.
Apple One Tower plans another mixed-use project
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
ENCOURAGED by the fast sales take-up of Apple One Tower at Cebu Business Park, Apple One Properties Inc. plans to build another mixed-used development in Cebu next year.
"The plans are still on the drawing board. But we will be developing a commercial-retail and residential project by next year," said Apple One Properties Inc. vice-president for Operations Yvet Andalis, in an interview yesterday.Andalis said they are confident about the real estate market because of the thriving economy in Cebu. She said that despite the entry of major players in the market, they are still confident to capture a good market share, particularly in the office property, which she believes is still under-served.
She said the mixed-used project would be bigger than that of Apple One Tower. Its target launching will be next March.
"Although it is a bit scary considering that Cebu has faster pace than Manila in terms of development and we don't know which area will first experience a real estate bubble, we still brace ourselves and take the opportunity while it's still there," Andalis said.
Delivery
Apple One Properties Inc. is a new player in the real estate industry. Its flagship project is the 17-storey Apple One Tower, which will house office and residential units. The company purchased a 1,876-square-meter property at the Cebu Business Park and invested some P500 million for the development of the project.
According to Andalis, the project's delivery is within schedule. "The tower will be topping off next month. Our commitment is to deliver the units by December 2012, but we expect a partial turnover of units to owners by June or July," she said.
Apple One Tower will house 20 residential units and over 50 offices, mostly insurance and law offices. The tower's anchor tenant is the Equicom Group, a diversified conglomerate composed primarily of companies in information technology, healthcare and financial services.
Andalis noted that the fast sales-take up of their units was also buoyed by the prime address of the project. She said investors choose strategic locations like Cebu Business Park, which is Cebu's financial district.
Apple One Properties Inc. is affiliated with five other companies: Ven Ray Construction; Brickwall Construction and Development Corp.; Golden Bee International; Mandy Hotmix; Sunsky Development Corp.
Among its sister-companies are the Diamond Suites, Apple Tree Suites Cebu, Apple Tree Resort and Hotel in Cagayan de Oro and Boardwalk Residences.
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on October 13, 2011.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
ENCOURAGED by the fast sales take-up of Apple One Tower at Cebu Business Park, Apple One Properties Inc. plans to build another mixed-used development in Cebu next year.
"The plans are still on the drawing board. But we will be developing a commercial-retail and residential project by next year," said Apple One Properties Inc. vice-president for Operations Yvet Andalis, in an interview yesterday.
Andalis said they are confident about the real estate market because of the thriving economy in Cebu. She said that despite the entry of major players in the market, they are still confident to capture a good market share, particularly in the office property, which she believes is still under-served.
She said the mixed-used project would be bigger than that of Apple One Tower. Its target launching will be next March.
"Although it is a bit scary considering that Cebu has faster pace than Manila in terms of development and we don't know which area will first experience a real estate bubble, we still brace ourselves and take the opportunity while it's still there," Andalis said.
Delivery
Apple One Properties Inc. is a new player in the real estate industry. Its flagship project is the 17-storey Apple One Tower, which will house office and residential units. The company purchased a 1,876-square-meter property at the Cebu Business Park and invested some P500 million for the development of the project.
According to Andalis, the project's delivery is within schedule. "The tower will be topping off next month. Our commitment is to deliver the units by December 2012, but we expect a partial turnover of units to owners by June or July," she said.
Apple One Tower will house 20 residential units and over 50 offices, mostly insurance and law offices. The tower's anchor tenant is the Equicom Group, a diversified conglomerate composed primarily of companies in information technology, healthcare and financial services.
Andalis noted that the fast sales-take up of their units was also buoyed by the prime address of the project. She said investors choose strategic locations like Cebu Business Park, which is Cebu's financial district.
Apple One Properties Inc. is affiliated with five other companies: Ven Ray Construction; Brickwall Construction and Development Corp.; Golden Bee International; Mandy Hotmix; Sunsky Development Corp.
Among its sister-companies are the Diamond Suites, Apple Tree Suites Cebu, Apple Tree Resort and Hotel in Cagayan de Oro and Boardwalk Residences.
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on October 13, 2011.
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