By Ehda M. Dagooc (The Freeman)
Updated November 14, 2011 12:00 AM
CEBU, Philippines - Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI) has started the construction of the Amalfi Oasis section of the Citta di Mare project at the South Road Property (SRP), exuding optimism for completion and delivery within schedule.
FLI vice chairman Andrew "Bibot" Gotianun, together with Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and FLI first vice president and project head of Visayas and Mindanao Tristan Las Marias led the first construction inspection and project evaluation over the weekend at the SRP.
According to Las Marias work gangs are ramping up the first 150 new living units into various phases of completion.
As manpower, equipment, and materials are in place, and construction gaining momentum, "we are confident of a complete handover next year," committed Las Marias.
Backstopped by hundreds of workers, equipment, and massive financial infusion, construction work at the Amalfi Oasis and San Remo Oasis cluster projects remained in full swing. Blending seaside living with world-class facilities, the two projects positioned Cebu as the preferred second-home destination for foreign and local investors.
The Amalfi Oasis cluster consists of five-story buildings on a 390,484 square-meter property basking in fresh air, radiant sunshine and charming landscapes. At its Building 1, a mix of 150 two-bedroom (52sqm, 57sqm) and three-bedroom (85sqm, 108sqm, 113sqm) units are to be completed by December 2011, including 65 units of first-level parking slots.
The project is inspired by the Italian coastal towns along Costiera Amalfita, which is renowned for its scenic beauty, picturesque communities, and diversity.
Up to 332 units are to change hands in two buildings at the San Remo Oasis. With 164 mixed one-bedroom (25sqm) and two-bedroom (30sqm) units, Building 3 is targeted for completion in October 2013. Another 158 mixed studio and two-bedroom (45sqm) units in Building 7 will be turned over in July 2013. Up to 101 units in first-level basement parking are set aside in both edifices.
Cluster amenities include swimming pool, pool deck, bath house, outdoor activity area, club house, lounge, gazebo, basketball court, tree parks and jogging path.
Unit finishes and features include a living, dining, kitchen, bedroom, toilet and bath, terraces, doors and windows, and plumbing fixture areas made of vinyl planks, vitrified unglazed floor tiles, vitreous china, and all smooth-faced and textured paint finishes.
As for facilities, the two buildings are telephone-and CATV-ready, with garbage bins at designated areas, six-person-capacity elevators, roof deck laundry cages, and pre-paid water supply systems.
Perimeter and power lines are underground, which fit well into an elaborate drainage designed to prevent flooding. Sewerage collection is centralized alongside a complete biological waste water treatment system, road networks, concrete hollow fences, a theme wall and guard houses.
Inspired by the Italian coastal towns along the Mediterranean Sea and the Italian Riviera, San Remo Oasis and the Amalfi Oasis formed parts of the first and second phase of the development-bound, 50.60-hectare area under the joint venture of the city government of Cebu and FLI.
This low-density enclave consisting of 65 percent open-country spaces and landscaped greens, with 20-meter-wide walkways, bike lanes, and car-free zones, will later host a cluster of five-storey, medium-rise buildings, around which a relaxing, pedestrian-friendly community evolves.
Ensuring comfortable living and accessibility, San Remo Oasis will be 15 minutes away from the central business district of Cebu and the international container port, and 30 minutes away from the international airport. It will be a short walk from the proposed new college campus of the University of the Philippines.
With 50 years in the business and one of the country's leading real estate developers, the family-owned FLI provides a diverse property portfolio catering to a wide market—from its core, best-value homes to premier communities, condominiums, and leisure developments. Its assets and stockholders' equity were valued, respectively, at P165.59 billion and P62.37 billion.
The city government of Cebu owns the SRP consisting of a 300-hectare prime property it had reclaimed through a loan from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation. (FREEMAN)
