Cebu exporters set to establish desk for China

Fred T. Escalona, Cebu executive director of the Confederation of Philippine Exporters Foundation (Cebu), Inc. (Philexport), said the planned desk will help its members who have been affected by the debt crisis in Europe and economic slowdown in the US.

"We’ve always looked at China as our competitor. Now, we should view it as another big market," he said, noting that China has $3 trillion in reserves and is producing more billionaires than the US.

Instead of competing with China in manufacturing cheap goods, Mr. Escalona said Cebu exporters should position themselves as producers of mid- to high-end products.

To prevent counterfeiting, a common complaint of Philippine fashion accessories and furniture manufacturers, exporters here should constantly generate new designs at a faster clip, added Mr. Escalona.

www.bworldonline.com

Philippine Stocks Movers: Cebu Air, Jollibee Foods, SM Prime

Shares of the following companies had unusual moves in Philippine (PASHR) trading. Stock symbols are in parentheses and prices are as of the midday break in Manila.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index rose 1 percent to 5,079.35, set to close at a record. The gauge has advanced 2 percent this week.

Consumer-related stocks: Jollibee Foods Corp. (JFC) , the nation’s biggest restaurant operator, advanced to a record, leading gains among Philippine consumer-related stocks on speculation consumer spending will grow after funds sent home by Filipinos overseas increased 5.4 percent in January. Jollibee rose 5.8 percent to 111.50 pesos, set for the highest close since the stock began trading in July 1993. SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SMPH) , the country’s biggest shopping mall operator, climbed 2.7 percent to 16.76 pesos.

“Higher remittances translate to stronger consumer spending,” Peter Lee, senior investment officer at IGC Securities Inc., said in a phone interview. “Jollibee is recognized as one of the market’s top consumer names.”

Cebu Air Inc. (CEB PM), the nation’s largest budget carrier, gained 1.7 percent to 67.10 pesos, set for the sharpest increase since March 5. The company may consider buying into Philippine Airlines Inc., the country’s biggest carrier, “if the opportunity arose,” Cebu Air President Lance Gokongwei said. Gokongwei said there are no talks with Philippine Airlines. PAL Holdings Inc. (PAL) , owner of Philippine Airlines, rose 5.3 percent to 7.42 pesos, bound for the sharpest gain since Jan. 9.

 www.bloomberg.com

Cebu to vie for top spot in 7 Wonders Cities of the World

CEBU – Cebu City may become even more popular among local and foreign tourists and may just land in the list of the New 7 Wonders Cities next year.

That is, if it can get enough votes to compete with big cities like New York, Paris and Tokyo.


As of Wednesday, Cebu City ranks second among 44 cities in Southeast Asia and Oceania in the search involving some 1,200 cities from 220 countries.


The search and online voting is being facilitated by the New7Wonders, the same group behind the man-made New 7 Wonders of the World and the New 7 Wonders of Nature.


Although it was the first time they heard about the search, officials of the Department of Tourism (DOT) Central Visayas, Cebu City Government and the Cebu Investment and Promotions Center (CIPC) welcomed the nomination.


“Just to be nominated, it would already help promote Cebu City as a tourist destination. Cebu City is different from other cities because for one, it is the seat of Christianity of the Philippines and despite being a highly urbanized city, Cebu City is able to preserve its past, its culture and heritage,” DOT Regional Director Rowena Montecillo said.


The CIPC and Cebu City Tourism Commission (CCTC) chairperson and Councilor Margarita Osmena also count the South Road Properties and the construction boom as contributors to Cebu City’s “wonders”.
The list of Wonders Cities in Southeast Asia is dominated by Philippine cities, with Vigan in Ilocos Sur topping the list, followed by the cities of Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod and Paranaque.
On the eighth spot is Sydney, followed by Singapore and Bangkok.


Montecillo said the DOT-Central Visayas will support the campaign to help make Cebu City one of the finalists.


The global online voting started last January with some 1,200 nominees from 220 countries. More than 300 cities will be chosen for the qualification phase (one from each country and the top 77 cities with the most number of votes).


From the top 77 voted during the qualification phase, the New7Wonders Cities panel of experts advises on the selection of the 28 official finalists. Voting for the finalists continues across three phases until 2013. The Official New7Wonders Cities will be announced on December 7, 2013.


www.philcebuproperties.com

SMDC‘s share price climbed 1.3% to 7.31 highest gain since March 5

SM Development Corp. (SMDC) a builder of residential towers, climbed 1.3 percent to 7.31 pesos, the sharpest gain since March 5. 

Its parent SM Investments Corp. (SM) said the property company will start five new projects this year. SM Investments increased 3 percent to 659 pesos, the highest close since Feb. 10.

smdevelopment.com

Success secrets of Henry ‘Big Boy‘ Sy Jr.

Source: The Philippine Star: BULL MARKET, BULL SHEET By Wilson Lee Flores

The secret of joy in work is contained in one word — excellence. To know how to do something well is to enjoy it.  —Pearl S. Buck

Recently at the birthday dinner of Ever Bilena founder Dioceldo “Deo” Sy at the sea garden of Sofitel Hotel, I was seated beside SM Development Corporation vice chairman Henry “Big Boy” Sy Jr. His father, Henry Sy Sr., is chairman of SMDC. We congratulated him on his firm being the biggest among the Philippines’ top condominium developers last year, according to Colliers, followed by the Zobel clan’s Ayala Land and Andrew Tan’s Megaworld.

When I asked him for his 2012 sales forecast compared to last year, Henry Jr. replied: “Our SMDC sales last year were P26.5 billion, and we are bullish about the Philippine economy and the real estate industry. This year we’re targeting P40 billion sales.” Wow!

What are the success secrets of the third child and eldest son of Henry Sy? Born-again Christian Big Boy said, “There’s only one true secret to success: God. It’s all the blessings of God. We have to be prayerful and follow His teachings.”

What about business strategies in a highly competitive realty industry? Sy thought for a few seconds and explained, “Our father, Henry Sy Sr., taught us the importance of hard work, honesty, taking care of good quality and doing one’s best. When we develop condominiums, we think as if we’ll live in those homes ourselves, so they have to be nice, convenient and of good quality. We study well and try to fulfill the market needs so we build good condos with prime locations at affordable terms and prices, like monthly amortizations of P20,000 per month.”

Big Boy pointed out another dimension of the Philippine condominium boom, saying, “Last year’ 2011, we at SMDC developed 12,000 condominium units. I believe that we’re doing a social service. We want to help enrich our homebuyers with their good investments. Apart from having a good home in strategic areas of the metropolis, we are encouraging more people in Philippine society to own properties and homes, therefore helping them have a personal stake in the growing economy. This is one way to help strengthen social stability and to boost a larger affluent middle-class so essential to a strong democracy.”

smdevelopment.com

Prime Village Developed By AboitizLand

AboitizLand, Inc., leading Cebu’s real estate boom, is gearing up to unveil another premier residential community before the end of the first quarter of 2012, a low-density, upscale village offering the luxury lifestyle in an accessible location.

AboitizLand’s Marketing Manager Leorelei Ylaya announced recently that the design concepts are fast shaping up for another landmark community set amidst landscaped canyons, parks and hectares of green spaces.

“This community has ‘prime’ and ‘privilege’ in its name and concept,” Ylaya said, adding that the village takes after top-class AboitizLand projects like North Town Homes and Pristina North.  It is nestled in the hills of Bacayan, Cebu City and Tawason and Casili in Mandaue City, a short drive from the central business district.

The new project is a diamond investment designed to quickly escalate in value.

Residential lots ranging from 400 – 1000 square meters in size will be offered at the 59.25-hectare village.  Ylaya said the project is “becoming interesting for those who value the pleasures of space and are used to living with privileges.”

The village accommodates only 665 residences at an average of only 13 homes per hectare.

The homes at this new village have the advantage of the rolling terrain and unrestrained views. About half of the residences will be perched on gently sloping landscapes enveloped by the fresh breezes of the hills around the development.

New and better amenities like a linear park running the spine of the entire development are a key feature of the community.  A commercial area at the village’s main entrance ensures the convenience of vecinos (Spanish for neighbors; AboitizLand’s term for its clients, homeowners).

Aside from its linear park, the village will have expansive parks at its northern and southern sides, a picnic area, gazebos, swimming pool and multi-purpose court with bleachers, among a host of top-of-the-line amenities.

Ylaya described the project as ‘another nurturing and assuring community that is sure to be a lasting legacy for Cebu’s privileged families.’

AboitizLand, Inc. holds the distinction of creating high-value and enduring communities.  It prides itself in its 100% delivery of all committed projects in its 18-year history.

www. prime village developed.com

Avida Towers Cebu sold out in just 18 months

Cebu proves to be a robust real estate market for Avida, as shown by buyers’ response to Avida Towers Cebu.

Launched only in June 2010, units have been selling at a brisk pace—and now, in less than two years, all of 1,045 units of Avida Towers Cebu are now sold out.

"More than anything, we see the sellout of Avida Towers Cebu as a testament to the trust and confidence of Cebuanos in the Ayala brand. Ayala Land is an established developer in Cebu and with Avida being part of the Ayala Group, Cebuanos rightly believe that owning an Avida Towers Cebu unit is a sound investment. Beyond the brand strength, we also see that the location, features and amenities offered by Avida Towers Cebu were well appreciated by our buyers. We are glad that our commitment to creating quality homes at affordable prices, which translated to Avida Towers Cebu has been received well and appreciated by the discerning Cebuano market who is keen on getting their money’s worth for every purchase," said Apollo Tanco, project strategic management head of Avida Land for VISMIN.

Strategically located in Cebu’s most vibrant business and lifestyle hub that is Cebu I.T. Park, Avida Towers Cebu is designed and built with an integrated "Home, Office and Play Lifestyle" concept. It’s the perfect dream home for families that wish to have a complete quality living experience amidst the excitement of urban, cosmopolitan Cebu—while also enjoying features and amenities for recreation and relaxation, combined with the privacy of one’s exclusive abode.

Following the standard for all Avida condominium developments, Avida Towers Cebu has the "5 Must Haves" that create the ideal quality living experience for its residents. All units are fitted with large windows that allow fresh air to circulate freely and let in maximum natural illumination. This is good for the occupants’ health, and also creates a light and optimistic atmosphere inside the unit. Both towers also have fewer units per floor to prevent crowding and ensure privacy. The towers’ amenities are designed for practicality and for minimal maintenance cost—something that will greatly benefit homeowners in the long-run. There is also emergency power available inside each unit—not just in the common areas—so that the residents’ living convenience and security are ensured even during brownouts.

Finally, all these features and amenities are availed of through easy and flexible payment terms. All these five condo must-haves add up to an ideal living experience that only Avida provides.

According to Tanco, the sellout of Avida Towers Cebu is also an indication of the growing sophistication of Cebu’s real estate market.

"Buyers in Cebu now have a deeper understanding and appreciation for investing in condominium development in a central, urban area. Condo living has become a viable option as it allows residents to have easy access to places that matter. In addition, they see the affordability, quality and practicality of such investments as a source of benefit in the long term," he said. Given the overwhelming positive response from Cebuanos, Avida discloses that the company is exploring more developments in the city.

Tanco also pointed out that the Cebu market is a perfect fit for Avida, as it is comprised of the "the practical rich," which she explains as those who see Avida’s thrust of providing "affordable" as something that would result in the best return and value for money in the long run.

Avida Towers Cebu is a joint venture project of Avida and Asian I Office Properties. After its launch in June 2010, it nearly sold out the 518 units of the first tower in a mere three months. This prompted the early launch of the 527-unit second tower in October of the same year.

The two towers have more than a thousand units with prices ranging from P1.7 million to P4.2 million. Studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units were offered with monthly amortization starting at P13, 600.

Avida Land Corp. is the affordable property developer of Ayala Land, Inc. True to its brand promise of providing quality homes at affordable prices for the successful Filipino middle class, in the past 21 years, Avida Land has successfully developed 40 house and lot, and condominium projects in 18 different locations around the Philippines. Asian I Office Properties (AIO) is a subsidiary of Cebu Property Ventures and Development Corporation, which owns and manages Asiatown I.T. Park.

Building on the heritage of superb quality from the country’s biggest and most trusted developer that is Ayala Land, Avida Towers Cebu, which is envisioned to be the best in its class, will be managed and maintained by Ayala Property Management Corp.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/03082012/property5.html