Ayala Land, Megaworld bag top property plums

Andrew Tan. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Property giant Ayala Land Inc., developer of large-scale mixed-use estates such as the Makati and Bonifacio central business districts, has bagged the most coveted “best developer” citation at the Philippines Property Awards 2014.

Tycoon Andrew Tan, a self-made billionaire who pioneered the cyberpark concept and popularized large-scale mid-income condominium developments, was cited “real estate personality of the year.”

The Philippines Property Awards, the local edition of the Asia Property Awards conducted annually by Ensign Media’s regional publication Property Report, spotlight the high-caliber work within the real estate industry, encompassing construction, architecture and interior design.

Outside the “real estate personality” citation, there were 18 winners picked out of 200 eligible entries shortlisted from about a thousand nominations.

ALI chief finance officer Jaime Ysmael, who accepted the award on behalf of ALI in a gala event Tuesday night, vowed that the company would continue to strive to be a “relevant” developer and help in “enriching lives.” He said ALI would continue to build real estate projects that can “withstand the test of time” and help the Philippine economy.

For his part, Tan—founder of 25-year-old Megaworld Corp. and chair of conglomerate Alliance Global Group Inc.—said: “I’ve been fortunate to be harbored in an industry where transforming lands also means changing lives, creating jobs and building the nation. For me, this award is both a reminder and inspiration to keep on looking for opportunities to do more.”

The 17 other winners of this year Philippines Property Awards were:

— SM Development Corp., special recognition in corporate social responsibility;

— Portofino (under Vista Land & Lifescapes’ Brittany), best housing development in Metro Manila;

— Admiral Baysuites (Anchor Land), best luxury development in Metro Manila;

— Asia Enclaves Alabang (of Phinma Properties), best affordable condominium development in Metro Manila;

— Azure Urban Resort Residences (by Century Properties), best mid-range condominium development in Metro Manila;

— SM Aura Premier, best in commercial development (retail);

— Globe Tower (Globe Telecom’s office building), best in commercial development (office);

— Park Centrale, best commercial development in Cebu;

— Abreeza Residences (Ayala Land), best residential development in Davao;

— Crosswinds Tagaytay (Vista Land’s Brittany), best condominium development (resort category);

— Marco Polo Residences (Federal Land), best condominium development in Cebu;

— Arya Residences (Arthaland Corp.), best in residential interior design;

— Ascott Bonifacio Global City (Capital Land), best in hotel architectural design (hotel category);

— Bonifacio High Street (Ayala Land), best in landscape architectural design;

— SM Aura Premier, best in commercial architectural design (retail);

— Globe Tower, best in commercial architectural design (office); and

— Arya Residences, best in residential architectural design.