SM Prime, Net One exec bag top property awards

SOUTHEAST Asian property giant SM Prime Holdings was cited as this year’s “Best Developer” while green building advocate Ramon Fernando Rufino, executive vice president of premium office property developer Net Group, was honored as “Real Estate Personality of the Year” at the Philippine Property Awards 2015.

The Sy family-led SM Prime edged out last year’s champion Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) and fellow nominee Megaworld Corp. SM Prime was also declared winner in several other categories, including “Best Retail Development “and “Best Retail Architectural Design,” both for Mega Fashion Hall (SM Megamall expansion).

The SM group’s residential arm SM Development Corp. also won “Best Landscape Architectural Design” for Shell Residences and “Best Affordable Condo Development (Metro Manila)” for Mezza II Residences.

ALI brought home a “Special Recognition in CSR (corporate social responsibility)” for its commitment to building sustainable communities in the Philippines, plus another award for “Best Residential Architectural Design” for its Park Terraces project. Subsidiary Alveo Land Corp. was declared two-time winner for its latest condominium and residential projects in Cebu (Solinea) and Davao (Abreeza Residences).

Megaworld also took multiple trophies, including “Best Luxury Development (Resort)” for its Boracay NewCoast-Oceanway Residences project and “Best Residential Interior Design” for Three Central.

Vista Land and Landscapes’s Amore@Portofino was named “Best Housing Development (Metro Manila)” and “Best Housing Development (Philippines).” Camella Puerto Princesa also won “Best Midrange Development Resort.”

WJGlobal Inc. picked up two awards for “Best Hotel Development” and “Best Hotel Architectural Design” both for Ascott BGC.

Robinsons Land Corp.’s “The Sapphire Bloc” won “Best Mid-range Condo Development (Metro Manila)” and “Best Condo Development (Philippines).”

BDO Unibank’s new BDO Corporate Tower in Ortigas reaped “Best Office Development,” “Best Office Architectural Design” and “Best Commercial Development (Philippines)” awards.

Other winners were Agujo Land’s Kandaya Resort in Cebu (“Best Hotel Interior Design”); Primary Homes’ Argao Palm (“Best Housing Development in Cebu”); Filinvest’s Botanika Nature Residences (“Best Luxury Condo Development (Metro Manila)”), and Monte de Tesoro Corp.’s Ore Central (“Best Green Development.”)

The “Real Estate Personality of the Year” was the only award not chosen by the judging panel. Rufino, a young and dynamic figure with valuable contributions to the advancement of green building and sustainable architecture, was honored for his achievements as chair of the Philippine Green Building Council (PHILGBC), which was recently recognized by the World Green Building Council as an emerging member.

“I hope this award brings added visibility to the efforts of PHILGBC so we can receive even greater support and participation from the real estate industry,” Rufino said. “The environment wins with reduced impact and resource strain from projects, users win as they get healthier spaces with lower operating costs, and owners win by attracting customers, future-proofing their projects and enhancing their corporate social responsibility. While we are still far behind many countries, the good news is there is growing momentum.”

Rufino said the awareness and desire for sustainability were already strong, but noted that the country would still need to improve on the level of commitment and action.

“It’s easy to market and advertise real estate projects as ‘green’ but only certification provides the users, the public and the government with the assurance that a project is truly green and sustainable—performing above and beyond minimum standards for green building design, construction, performance and operation,” Rufino said.

Over 350 leaders and talents in real estate, architecture and design gathered in Manila last week to honor the best in the property sector at the third annual property awards. Top winners from the Philippines will go on to compete in the regional stage at the Asia Property Awards grand finals on Oct. 21 at the fifth annual South East Asia Property Awards 2015 to be held at Shangri-La Hotel Singapore.