Rise to the Top

Now a preferred business hub, Cebu has come a long way from the day Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan set foot on the island. Even before the Spanish came to the so-called Queen City of the South, Cebu was already a bustling trading port, where Chinese traders parked their wares in exchange for honey, wood, gold, and spices.

Today, the presence of various developments in the city have practically made Cebu synonymous with business. Gordon Joseph, Cebu Business Club president, credits much of Cebu's success to a strong entrepreneurial spirit.

"Cebuanos have remained relatively self-sufficient and have long understood that the national government's focus has never been south of Luzon," said Mr. Joseph in an email. "Cebuanos have had decades, if not centuries, to carve out their own business and political destinies."

Cebu's foreign direct investment (FDI) strategy, he also said, was simple. "Cebu created an FDI product, such as export processing zones and tourism, out of nothing, almost out of sheer bravura and confidence—another Cebuano trait that has worked to Cebu's advantage."

Mr. Joseph credits Joel Yu, an outsourcing specialist and one of the architects of the Cebu export processing zones, as one of the main men who put Cebu on the map by setting up the necessary infrastructure, through a well-managed Cebu Investments Promotions Center. "He is the right man for the job," said Mr. Joseph.

The city's growth as a thriving business center has also banked on tourism, perhaps Cebu's biggest draw. Marketing its educated workforce and upgrading its airport to international status has also done wonders for the Cebu economy.

"[The strategy's] message was that it was more fun to do business in Cebu," said Mr. Joseph, adding that tourism is a low-hanging fruit that has a huge impact on both the local and national economies. "The strategy worked, and Cebu boomed almost overnight."

Several industries—real estate, business process outsourcing, shipping, furniture, light manufacturing, and knowledge process outsourcing—have since found a home in perhaps the Philippines' fastest-growing metropolis. Mr. Joseph said that the city must continue to focus on these industries.

Despite its successes, though, Cebu is still riddled with problems that every emerging city has to deal with as it grows. The lack of a comprehensive database, for one, undermines Cebu's potential to be more attractive as a business destination to investors. At a Sun.Star Economic Forum held in 2010, Cebu leaders pointed out that while government agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry pool data per region, there is still a need to build a one-stop source that focuses on the economy of the Cebu province itself.


A database would provide the necessary numbers—such as GDP—that local and foreign investors need to decide whether Cebu is a good destination for their businesses. By listing only registered businesses in the city, it would also help both companies and customers avoid fly-by-night firms.

There have been talks of putting up a Cebu Information Bureau with the help of government arms such as the National Statistics Office and the National Economic Development Authority, but the project seems to be put on hold for now.

Cebu's infrastructure itself also has to keep up with the city's growth. "Cebu must sustain and revive its vision and seriously plan for its future," said Mr. Joseph. "We must keep the momentum going and remember that there is competition."

A master plan for turning the province into a "smart city" called Mega Cebu is in the works. A newly-formed Metro Cebu Development Coordinating Board (MCDCB), chaired by Governor Gwen Garcia with Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and Bobby Aboitiz of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation—will be in charge of seeing to this goal.

The mayors of the 13 LGUs involved are also part of the board. The private sector, meanwhile, is represented by members of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce, the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce, the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, the Cebu Leads Foundation, and the Cebu Business Club.

"This is the first time in the history of Cebu that the public and private sectors have coalesced to bring Cebu back on track to sustainable and inclusive growth," said Mr. Joseph, himself an MCDCB member.

While the brand of personality-oriented politics in the country may make cooperation among different areas difficult, the goal of a more cohesive Cebu seems to be not that far off. "Turf war politics in Cebu can be counter-productive, but we are very confident this initiative will succeed in uniting all major political factions toward a common goal: a renewed, master-planned, modern Mega Cebu composed of 13 independent, but cooperating LGUs," said Mr. Joseph.

The business club president has the same optimism for the future of Cebu as a growing business destination. "[Cebu may not surpass Manila] in terms of size, but [it can] in terms of sustainability, efficiency, and productivity," he said. "These will in turn feed toward the continuing success of its niche industries."

www.bworldonline.com

CAMELLA BUCANDALA: HOME IN IMUS

As the school year comes to a close, another batch of college graduates will join the workforce and begin the aspiration to have a home. Thus starts the cycle of an independent adult’s life.

Today, the options for home ownership are many; the locations well-calculated for convenient travel to the workplace; and the costs have been designed to suit various financial capabilities. In short, there is a house for most anyone who aspires to own one.

The more likely place to look for this kind of variety is at Camella, a subsidiary of Vista Land, the biggest home builder in the country. Camella is known for making well-planned and themed communities affordable to the newest group of home buyers, as well as to those who are about ready to scout for their second homes. A long experience in property development (37 years) has made this reputation for Camella, which now claims to be the “most preferred brand” in the home building industry.

You will begin to understand Camella’s stronghold in the middle class market if you go out of town often. In 56 cities and municipalities around the country, you will see at least one Camella community along a main highway. Its biggest number of communities is built in Cavite, the province at the southern shoulder of Metro Manila. There are 85 Camella communities in seven towns of Cavite. One of the more recent is Camella Bucandala in Imus, a 20-minute drive from posh and bustling Alabang and 40 minutes from Makati. (Imus, 18 kilometers from Manila, is the banking center of Cavite, and the site of industrial estates.)

Camella Bucandala in Imus, is a popular gated community of Asian-themed houses, which was opened in 2008. Its popularity was pushed by its leisure and recreational amenities like a clubhouse, jogging trails, basketball courts, and landscaped gardens. In December 2011, Camella announced that it is expanding the Bucandala community. The model homes in the expansion are Rina, Marga, and Reana, which all hint of styles from Mediterranean inspirations cleverly blended with the Asian theme.

“Earth-brown details, stucco white walls, and lush garden greens create a gentle hacienda-style setting that is classic, yet modern, energized yet relaxing. It will make every day at home feel like a special occasion,” said Engineer Ric Pallesco, head of Operations for Camella, Greater Manila Area.

New home buyers will most likely be surprised that they can actually afford to take the step to homeownership with the affordable packages of Camella Bucandala. A house-and-lot package starts at P5,687 a month, with flexible downpayment terms and long-term financing schemes. Prices of house-and-lot packages range from P870,000 to P1.4 million.

“It’s just like renting a condo,” said Mr. Pallesco. “Buying a home is, for most of us, the most important investment we will ever make. It is one of life’s greatest achievements and reflects a family’s desired lifestyle and aspirations, appreciation of quality, and desire to choose wisely. Camella understands this aspiration, and designs its financing packages to allow more people to buy a home.”

Camella also understands the importance of a new community’s location. It has to be near city centers, schools, medical facilities, recreation facilities, and work places. The location of Camella Bucandala is ideal – being in Imus, it is within close proximity to establishments that support business and industry, like banks and government offices. The community is also near well-known leisure centers like the Alabang Town Center in Muntinlupa, Robinsons Place Imus, Lotus Mall, and FRC Mall.

There are 51 pre-schools, elementary and high schools located in Imus while the Cavite State University-College of Business and Entrepreneurship, the Emmanuel Christian College, and Informatics Computer Institute (Robinsons Place Imus) are all close by; while De La Salle University Medical Center, JP Rizal Hospital, and AsiaMedic are a only a few minutes away.

There are many questions in the mind of a homebuyer, and the most important is the one on a developer’s reputation for building quality structures and for delivering on its promises. With the 37-year track record of Camella, the 250,000 homes built by Vista Land, and the 56 cities and towns that have seen Camella communities thrive – that question was answered years before you step into the showroom.




www.camellahomes.net

Ayala Land hikes capex after posting 31% growth

PROPERTY DEVELOPER Ayala Land, Inc. is gearing up for higher capital spending this year after ending 2011 with a 31% profit hike, documents released yesterday showed.

“For 2012, the company has earmarked another P37 billion for capital expenditures, largely for the completion of ongoing developments, the launch of new residential and leasing projects, and the acquisition of new land bank which will help sustain the company’s growth trajectory over the coming years,” Jaime E. Ysmael, Ayala Land chief finance officer said in a press statement.

This figure is 23.17% higher than last year’s capital expenditure of P29.92 billion, a bulk of which was spent for residential development.

More than half, or 56%, of the company’s capital budget for 2012 will go to its residential business, 17% to leasing operations for malls and offices, 12% for hotels, and the remainder to go to land banking initiatives, Mr. Ysmael told reporters in an interview yesterday.

“We plan to launch about the same number of projects this year (67) but 29% higher in value and 20% more in the number of units. We remain well positioned to pursue our growth moving forward and achieving the goals we set out to do,” Antonio T. Aquino, Ayala Land president, said in the statement.

The amount will be funded via the possible issuance of local, long-tenor corporate bonds worth P10 billion to P15 billion within the year’s first semester in light of low interest rates, Mr. Aquino said.

This comes as Ayala Land hiked its net income last year by 31% to a record P7.14 billion versus P5.46 billion generated in 2010, slightly lower than the 35% growth it posted two years ago when it increased its net income to a then-record P5.5 billion.

“We had another banner year in 2011 thanks to the strong revenue growth and margin improvements achieved by our key businesses,” Mr. Aquino noted.

The firm’s total consolidated revenues rose by 17% to P44.21 billion, with combined real estate and hotel revenues climbing by 16% to P41.23 billion.

Total expenses grew by 12% to P33.50 billion in 2011.

Ayala Land’s property development unit hiked its revenues last year by 27% to P25.26 billion, a bulk of which was derived from the luxury Ayala Land Premier brand that increased its revenues by 36% to P9.51 billion year-on-year.

Middle-income Alveo and affordable Avida last year generated 15% and 44% revenue growth respectively, following the strong sales of newly-launched projects, while low-cost Amaia recorded P841-million revenues from its maiden project AmaiaScapes Laguna.

For this year, Ayala Land’s property development unit is aiming to launch 24,800 units across all residential brands versus 20,613 units last year after sales take-up value for the division reached a monthly average of P4.31 billion, 56% higher than the P2.76-billion monthly average in 2010. -- Franz Jonathan G. de la Fuente.

http://philippinerealestatenews.blogspot.com/2012/02/ayala-land-hikes-capex-after-posting-31.html

WCIP MANGROVE PLANTING MARKS WORLD WETLANDS DAY

Ten thousand more mangrove propagules were planted in the flourishing mangrove sanctuary at the West Cebu Industrial Park as the Cebu Industrial Park Developers, Inc. 


(CIPDI) spearheaded the observance of World Wetlands Day on February 4.World Wetlands Day is observed on February 2 to mark the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands in Ramsar, Iran on the same date in 1971. It is celebrated to raise awareness about the importance of the wetlands as life-giving resources.


HABITAT RESTORATION:  The West Cebu Industrial Park in Balamban, Cebu hosts thousands of mangroves and indigenous terrestrial tree species.  Volunteers have been inspired to continue regeneration efforts with the high survival rating of the trees that have been planted at the site over the past four years.CIPDI’s mangrove reserve is an expansive twelve hectares on the west coast of Cebu. The area has been repopulated with various mangrove species since 2008.


This year, CIPDI gathered 115 volunteers to plant the native species ‘bakhaw’ in a show of advocacy for environmental protection.


Employees of CIPDI and its locators, as well as local government officials and organizations participated in the 2012 mangrove rehabilitation effort, bringing the total number of propagules planted in the area to 33,000.


Winmundo Charcos, CIPDI’s Assistant Manager for Operations shares that the volunteer effort has been successful.  He says, “We got an 88% survival rate for the 11,000 propagules planted last year.


”Arpili Barangay Chairman Primo Paulin, one of the volunteers, notes the changes in the local population’s attitude towards the mangrove areas and other surrounding habitats, recalling that before the mangrove rehabilitation activities bird hunting was rampant and garbage littered the place. “Life has gradually returned to the shores since the first mangrove seedlings were planted,” Paulin adds.


Charcos agrees saying, “The thriving mangrove sanctuary is truly nurturing communities as we are observing a spectacular increase in the population of indigenous bird species and, possibly migratory species, too, as they have been sighted here again after many months of absence.” A meaningful collaboration between the local government unit, volunteers and CIPDI” is a key factor in making the project a success, Charcos explains.

West Cebu Industrial Park is an industrial venture of AboitizLand and Tsuneishi Holdings, Inc. of Japan. CIPDI manages zone operations The mangrove planting activities are conducted in coordination with the Balamban local government unit, Balamban Multi-partite Monitoring Team (BMMT), Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and park locators Austal, Tsuneishi Heavy Industries, Linde Philippines South, Metaphil International, Balamban Enerzone, K&A Metals, Air Liquide, and Mactan Rock Industries.

www.aboitizland.com

CAMELLA CONDO HOMES TAKES ROOTS IN THE HEART OF PASIG

Accessible and affordable; modern and convenient – this is how to best describe what is being offered to home buyers at the newest Camella Condo Homes development in the heart of Metro Manila, at the crossroads of the bustling metropolis, in Pasig. From its long and rich entrepreneurial history, Pasig had been transformed into a modern urban landscape, yet it has retained its charming heritage. Pasig’s Central Business District, the Ortigas Center is the second largest in the country. Located in Pasig and within the boundaries of Quezon City and Mandaluyong City, the Ortigas Center boasts of a number of the tallest buildings. Other significant landmarks are the Asian Development Bank, Tektite Towers, and Meralco Building. According to Vista Residences COO Maribeth C. Tolentino, “in response to the need for accessible and affordable residential options for city folks in the Pasig area, Camella Condo Homes is spending P400 million to build the 10-story mixed-use condominium with retail and commercial spaces on the ground floor.” Its prime location along Mercedes Avenue, close to the Pasig City Hall and Sta. Clara Parish is in the center of connected neighborhoods intended Airport. to be near business, call centers and work hubs in Ortigas Center; schools such as St. Paul College and the University of Asia and the Pacific; hospitals such as the state-of-the-art Medical City; retail complexes, five-star hotels, and malls. Accessible via Ortigas, C-5, EDSA, and Shaw Boulevard, CCH-Pasig is 20 minutes from key points in Quezon City, Makati, Taguig, Antipolo, Mandaluyong, and San Juan. The rising star of mid-rise developments, CCH-Pasig recently conducted its ground breaking activity signaling the start of its full scale construction as the tower targets completion and turn over in 2014. CCH-Pasig is priced between P1.5 million to P3.8 million and provides home buyers a choice of studio with an option to combine units and two-bedroom units with balcony at a price of only P8,500 per month. This opportunity for families to affordably live within a quiet, modern community while enjoying close-to-home conveniences is hard to match. It is designed to highlight modern building features such as cross-ventilation and central air vent system that will allow air and light to permeate every floor for a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Wi-Fi ready with its own recreational amenities such as clubhouse, basketball court, swimming pool, parks and playgrounds, the building’s area perimeter is fenced with 24-hour security and an entrance gate with CCTV system. Fire exits will be located at both ends of the building as a safety feature while a modern underground drainage system will be in place for efficient flood control. Vista Residences, the condominium development arm of Vista Land & Lifescapes, the country’s largest homebuilder, entered the market in 2006 to offer Filipinos the easy convenience of condominium living. Combining the space-planning savvy of the country’s top architects, an innate knack for selecting accessible and attractive locations to fit a wide range of needs, budgets and lifestyles, Vista Residences has set new standards for affordable mid-to-high-rise living. www.camellahomes.net

Marco Polo Parkview, your luxury home in Cebu City

Cebu City, Philippines – Federal Land Inc., the real estate arm of Metrobank Group, will soon unveil another tower in the prestigious Nivel Hills in Cebu City. Marco Polo Parkview is the third tower to rise in this well-planned luxury development in the most desirable address in the Gem of the South.

With the success of the first two towers – The Residences and Two Residences, Marco Polo Parkview is expected to follow through the momentum afforded to the earlier towers.

Only few steps away from the 5-star Marco Polo Hotel, Marco Polo Parkview is situated at 800 feet above ground giving resident a panoramic vista of the channel or the twinkling cityscape light. It is conveniently located and few minutes away from Cebu’s top destinations such as AsiaTown IT Park, Ayala Center Cebu, Magellan’s Cross, Downtown Cebu, SM City Cebu, Cebu International Airport and Mactan Shrine.

Marco Polo Parview will feature luxurious hotel-like lobby and five-star amenities. There are over 30 indoor and outdoor amenities set around a natural forest and wide open spaces. Amenities that residents of Marco Polo Parkview will enjoy include swimming pool, basketball and tennis court, mini theater, fitness gym, spa and many more. Selected amenities are designed by The Gettys Group (Chicago) and outdoor landscape features are designed by EA Aurelio Landscape Architects.

Residents are treated like hotel guest as the development will be managed by word-class services of Marco Polo Plaza; privilege include concierge services, valet service, food and beverages signing privileges at hotel outlet, room service, laundry service, apartment cleaning, servicing and maintenance, security services, priority access to swimming pool, gym and wellness zone.

A 2.5% launching discount is offered for first 50 buyers. Choose from wide selection of unit options from 1-bedroom to spacious 4-bedroom units with 36 sq.m. to 187 sq.m. Prices starts at less than P90,000 per sq.m. or P3.6 to P23 million, including RVAT. Six available payment options are being offered starting at only P15,000 per month for 1-bedroom. Discounts of as much 12% for cash buyers is also available.

Units at Marco Polo Parkview offers maximum natural light and ventilation with 3.2 meters floor to ceiling height and over 40% glass to concrete ratio.

Marco Polo Parkview features two level of basement parking, a centralized sanitary disposal systems and 4 passenger elevators. Security is a top priority with elevator key card access for resident only, CCTV system, stand-by generator for both common and residential units, automatic fire suppression system, fire detection alarm system and 24-hour security and maintenance personnel.

The Marco Polo Residences is the first of its kind in the Queen City of the South. It is the first high-rise luxury enclave in the area that boasts international quality services of the Marco Polo hotels.

For more information, please call/text/email Evelyn Maliwat: +63 922 973-6841, info@federalcondos.com or http://theresidencescebu.com/

BPO SUNSET?

P-Noy urged to lobby against US bill pushed by Obama

Congress called on the Aquino administration to create a lobby group that will block passage of a bill that could spell the end of the country’s booming Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry.
House Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II said the administration should closely monitor US House Bill 3596 entitled “Call Center and Consumers Protection Bill,” which will encourage in-sourcing by American firms and penalize those dealing with overseas business process outsourcing (BPO) firms.

Among those seen to be affected by the US bill is Cebu, which had witnessed the expansion of BPO companies in recent years.

The Cebu City government set up a call center program for some of the city’s schools to fill up the demand for qualified call center employees.

The Cebu Park District alone employs nearly 50,000 workers from the information technology (IT) and BPO locators.

Among the beneficiaries of the BPO growth was the Cebu real estate industry which experienced a construction boom as a result of rising demand for BPO offices.
At least six buildings are under construction in the Cebu Business Park and eight buildings in the Cebu IT Park in barangay Lahug, Cebu City.

“BPO buildings and spaces this year have experienced occupancy and rental rates on the rise. Hotel occupancy rates have even inched upward in spite of more budget, business, chain, and resort hotels that came in,” Jose Soberano, President of Cebu Landmasters Inc., earlier said.
But US House Bill 3596 may soon change all that.

Gonzales said he was worried the bill would curtail the growth of the BPO industry in the country, which has been fueled mostly by American firms.

US President Barack Obama earlier called on American businessmen to keep US jobs at home instead of outsourcing them overseas.

Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone shared Gonzales’ concern, pointing out that BPOs contribute close to $9 billion a year from roughly 800,000 call center agents.

This is close to half of the $19 billion in annual remittances from five to 10 million overseas Filipino workers.
US HB 3596 imposes a $10,000 daily fine on US call center firms that do not identify their agents’ location.
Among the provisions set in the proposed US bill are :

* It will penalize US companies for $10,000 a day if they fail to report to the US Department of Labor their relocation to an offshore location witin 60 days.
* It will require them to inform the US Department of Lab
or 120 days in advance their offshore plans.
* It will require call center operators who answer calls to identify their location and caller will have a choice of choosing a US-based operator.
* It will ban US Call Centers operating outside the US from seeking federal grants and loans for five years.
“I think that being an election year, Obama has no choice but to advocate populist sentiments like insourcing. We must be ready for any eventuality because we don’t want to be surprised, especially on a very crucial economic contributor like BPOs,” said Gonzales.

Evardone said the Aquino administration must organize and send a lobby group to the US Congress to try and block passage of this bill.

“It’s about time that we take seriously this threat against our BPOs now that Obama has laid down a firm policy against outsourcing.

Government agencies should not ignore this. We might wake up one day and find that the jobs in BPOs are already gone if we don’t act timely and decisively,” said Evardone.

“P-Noy might want to raise this issue with Obama during his state visit to the US this year.”
Evardone said the Philippines could link up with countries like India, Mexico and Ireland, where BPOs have been thriving. Inquirer with a story from Reporter Aileen Garcia-Yap

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