Developer carves niche in progressive Cebu

Who could say no to the ‘Queen’?

The City of Cebu—dubbed as the Queen City of the South—offers, after all, such a compelling lifestyle proposition that lays down for you the best of both worlds: one that can be highly progressive and contemporary on one hand, but can also be relaxing and laid back on the other.

Such is the unique, alluring charm of Cebu that many find hard to resist—from those wanting to put down their roots, to the local and foreign tourists and prospective investors, all wanting to be part of the city’s success story. And it is a story shaped by its rich history and cultural heritage, landmark structures, pristine beaches, gastronomic delights and a highly progressive economy.

Cebu indeed offers a myriad of things to do, visit, taste and experience either within the city itself, or in the neighboring islands that could provide unparalleled adventures to anyone. At the same time, it offers opportunities for further growth that could fit well with any company’s expansion plan, given the availability of infrastructure, connectivity, and skilled talent pool.

It’s probably hard to decide which best makes Cebu a truly unique destination. But here are but a few things that add spice to the already interesting mix of flavors that this island has to offer.

Festivities

Cebuanos sure know how to party and celebrate and this cannot be more evident than in the way the province commemorates the feast of the Child Jesus.

The Sinulog-Santo Nino Festival, celebrated every third Sunday of January is an annual cultural and religious dance ritual done in honor of the miraculous image of the Santo Nino.

Based on its official website, Sinulog participants dance to the beat of the drums, which supposedly resembled the current of what was then known as Cebu’s Pahina River.

Other famous festivals in Cebu that are also worth attending such include the the Bodbod Festival, Kadaugan sa Mactan, and Semana Santa sa Bantayan.

Gastronomic paradise

There’s no second-guessing that Cebu is one of the ultimate food destinations in the country today.

From its delicacies such as dried mangoes, to the famous danggit, and the assortment of seafood offering from the province, one could not help but be lured to this gastronomic feast.

Even the famed lechon Cebu took the spotlight in the show of international celebrity host Anthony Bourdain.

Cebu is likewise famous for its Sutukil, a three way style of preparing seafood. It is a combination of the Cebuano words sugba, tuwa and kilaw which means to grill, stew and eating it raw.

Best of the islands

From the unexplored caves, pristine beaches, cliffs, and some of the best dive spots, as well as centuries-old churches and historical sites—Cebu probably has it all.

Tourists can start with a day trip and simply enjoy the sights within the city, or immerse themselves in areas rich cultural and historical heritage including a visit to the famed Magellan’s Cross and the Basilica del Santo Nino.

For the more adventurous lot, there are nearby islands, caves and cliffs that one could readily explore and uncover. Experience the ultimate island adventure as you go canyoneering in Kawasan Falls or exploring nearby pristine islands such as Malapascua, Sumilon, Oslob and Bantayan.

World-class talents

Cebu is home to some of the country’s best and most artistic talents and world class designers, who have carved a niche in their respective fields locally and globally.

Bringing the Philippines to international consciousness include homegrown talents such as international furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue and renowned designer Monique Lhuillier.

The province also served as home to some of the best authors, musicians, editors and politicians like Martin Abellana, Vicente Sotto, Amapola and Marcelo Fernan among others.

Business hub

Next to Metro Manila, Cebu is often the top-of-mind choice of many investors wanting to establish a presence in the Visayas, as it has a competent and talented labor force pool and the necessary infrastructure needed to enable a business to thrive and grow.

Cebu has since served as a hub to many businesses both big and small, including business process outsourcing companies and those engaged in technology and service-related activities. The province has also shown itself to be competent in hosting international events such as the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings held last year, among other summits.

Thus it comes as no surprise that even national developers are lured by the Queen’s charm such that a number of them has flocked to the province in the hopes of tapping the lucrative opportunities it offers. And one particular developer who, from the start, has been smitten by what Cebu has to offer is trusted property developer Sta. Lucia Land Inc.

Sta, Lucia was actually the first national developer in Cebu, having entered the market in September 1990 to sell Royale Cebu Estates, followed by Monte Verde, Golden Meadows, Alta Vista (the second golf course in the province) and Sentinel (the company’s first condominium project in the area).

Today, Sta. Lucia has developed more than 20 subdivisions covering over 500 hectares of land in Cebu. And three more projects are on the pipeline namely Valle Verde Subdivision in Lapu-Lapu; third building in Residencia de Vistamar in Mactanl; and another development in Lahug.

“The people of Cebu is an interesting market to serve because they actually know what they want and they are not one to sacrifice comfort over price,” said Sta. Lucia president Exequiel Robles.

“With Cebu as one of the most developed provinces in the country and Cebu City serving as a perfect alternative to Metro Manila as a center of commerce, trade and industry, it is only practical for Sta. Lucia to be there and serve the needs of its people in terms of having access to high quality, world class developments,” Robles added.

Robles related that when they first entered Cebu, they started with the creation of residential lots and condominium developments, with the aid of their prominent local joint venture partner MSY Holdings.

“Another remarkable success came when Sta. Lucia managed to build and deliver its first vertical residential project and our first golf course development in the province,” he further noted.

While it already has a number of successful projects in Cebu, there seems to be no stopping Sta. Lucia in developing more quality projects in the area. The company isn’t showing any signs of slowing down and on the contrary, has even lined up a number of new projects—some of which are already being constructed such as the Arterra Residences at Discovery Bay.

“What makes this particular development unique and special is the fact that it was conscientiously designed to mirror the earth’s four basic elements, to allow residents to experience, live, and be one with nature. What’s more, it is located at the tip of Punta Engano, Mactan Island’s famed diving destination,” Robles explained.

Arterra offers residents a chance to enjoy life in perfect balance as it provides not only a private and secluded life with the blue sea as your backdrop but also makes for a wise investment as acquiring a unit gives one that choice to either reside on it or have it rented out.

“Arterra is perched at the very edge of the famed diving destination of Mactan Island and is located on the tip of Punta Engano, that same strip where most popular high end resorts and hotels are located. It is just a mere 20 minute drive from Cebu’s international airport this making it a truly perfect investment,” Robles shared.

“At Arterra, you’re not just buying a property. You’re also providing yourself quick access to your own piece of paradise. There really is no stopping Sta. Lucia from doing what it does best which is to deliver projects that set trends and break norms. The company is highly aware of Cebu’s potential and thus we will continue to diversify and expand our business in Cebu. The Cebuanos can take comfort at the thought that we will continue develop projects that seamlessly combine privacy, urban charm and exceptional quality,” Robles concluded.