Developers continue to make headlines

There will always be those that will stand out from the crowd—the so-called movers and shakers, as well as the trendsetters and gamechangers of the world.

And in the Philippine real estate scene, there were quite a few that made quite a buzz in 2016 for either having redefined or promising to shape the urban and rural landscapes, and infusing innovative concepts that have raised the bar—and the stakes—even higher than ever.

These are the industry players and their respective projects that shot to prominence, and became a crowd favorite among investors and end-users alike for varying reasons.

Perhaps because that developer has managed to outdo itself once more, building stunning structures one masterpiece after another. Or that, a project is able to offer an unparalleled opulence and exclusivity that upped the ante in luxury living.

It could also be that it’s a truly “green” structure; that it offers a highly exceptional value and investment proposition; or it simply boasts of strategic locations and topnotch amenities that have clearly surpassed those offered by competition.

And to be recognized would be a feat in itself given the growing number of  developers, all wanting to carve their own niche and create a name for themselves amid the well-established giants that have long been serving the market.

Here are some of the local property developers and the projects that have either made their distinct mark in the real estate scene this year, or was deemed a highly promising development that will set the market abuzz in 2017.

Whether completed, under construction, or still in the pipeline, one thing’s for sure: these developments will once again change the name of the fickle property game.

VIREYA

TAGAYTAY HIGHLANDS

It’s all about the ultimate in exclusivity and relaxation.

Vireya, the Bali-inspired community set to rise within the highly affluent and exclusive Tagaytay Highlands, will perfectly serve the needs and whims of anyone who has that natural affinity for anything that spells luxury.

This gated community, now one of the most sought projects by the highly discerning market, will afford future residents a well-balanced lifestyle that will complete that luxurious vibe that comes natural with every Highlands Prime development.

The Vireya will offer world-class designed amenities and facilities, such as the Pavan—the community’s exclusive pavilion with infinity pool, a treehouse, garden patio, massage hut, and four parks. It will also just be 1.2 kilometers away from the Midlands Golf Club and 4.7 km from Highlands Golf, enabling one to easily enjoy a round of golf during vacation.

The entire development will have a total of 127 lots for the first phase, with only 12 lots per hectare. This assures residents of having more than enough space to move around and achieve that much desired privacy. Lot sizes ranged from 250 sqm to 562 sqm.

DOUBLE DRAGON PROPERTIES CORP.

Much has happened this year for Double Dragon as it saw significant progress across its projects—an outstanding feat that is hoped to be replicated on an even bigger scale in 2017.

For one, DoubleDragon has acquired earlier this year a majority stake in Hotel of Asia Inc., the mother company of Hotel 101 and Jinjiang Inn Philippines.

In July, DoubleDragon has successfully launched its P10-billion preferred shares listing, and then listed in December its P5.3-billion  maiden retail bond offer.

Just this month, CityMall signed a partnership with ABS-CBN to operate the CityMall Cinemas, paving the way for both local and foreign blockbuster movies to reach the unserved areas. This year thus saw CityMall having three strong pillars as its partners—the largest retail conglomerate SM Group, the largest fastfood chain Jollibee Group, and the largest entertainment media company ABS-CBN.

For DD Meridian Park Complex in Pasay, the company topped off two towers, while for the Jollibee Tower, it started in March the construction of this 41-storey grade A office in Ortigas. Its D8 Mall in Divisoria also breached the 80,000-foot traffic level this year.

PICO DE LORO

SM PRIME

HOLDINGS INC.

Expansive living spaces coupled with the stunning and vibrant views of the sky, sea, and the lagoon.

That is how the proponents behind Pico de Loro have defined beach resort living, which is now being realized through this maiden community, located within the Hamilo Coast.

Backed by a credible parent company that is SM Prime Holdings Inc., the Pico de Loro Cove Beach Homes would guarantee nothing short of a practical value proposition as it not only affords residents an authentic beach resort lifestyle, but also guarantees a value take up with the promise of future developments within the property.

Offered are the three bedroom corner suites (134 sqm) which has an open architectural design ideal for large family bonding moments; and a three-bedoom penthouse loft (143 sqm) which offers sweeping views of Pico Lagoon and lush mountains as well as spacious balconies.

EDADES SUITES

ROCKWELL LAND CORP.

A graceful expansion of Edades Tower and Garden Villas, the Edades Suites broke ground just last October, carrying with it the same promise of unparalleled exclusivity and opulence that Rockwell Land has long been known for.

Rising 23 storeys high, Edades Suites has only 52 prime units with three units to a floor, thus giving one the guarantee of absolute privacy. And this early, the project is already 85 percent sold out—a notable indication of the market’s preference for the distinct Rockwell brand.

Future homeowners of Edades Suites would be afforded access to the prestigious Rockwell Club, a private sanctuary that enhances the luxurious living requirement of the community’s discerning residents.

Taking privacy and exclusivity to new heights, Rockwell Land has ensured that residents at the Edades Suites can look forward to undisturbed peace as the elevator opens directly to their very own anteroom, leading straight to the living and dining areas of their residence.

CEBU EXCHANGE

ARTHALAND CORP.

It made its mark well enough in the local real estate industry despite being a boutique developer and a relatively new player.

Through its maiden development, Arya Residences, ArthaLand has showcased its expertise and capacity to building unique, enduring, and sustainable projects that adhere to the global and national standards in green buildings.

And this time, ArthaLand has brought its green expertise to the office property market through Cebu Exchange, which is set to rise along Salinas Drive at Cebu City’s IT Park. It is expected to contribute at least P7.2 billion in yearly income for the projected 40,000 employees of its future locators.

“We just launched Cebu Exchange during the last quarter of the year and we have seen great interest from the Cebuano investing market. We have come at the right time given the high demand for quality, green office space in Cebu because of the region’s vibrant business activities. Vacancy rate in offices there are very low,” said ArthaLand’s  communications manager Ken Lerona.

PARK CENTRAL TOWERS

AYALA LAND PREMIER

Ayala Land Premier, with its unrivaled heritage, has unveiled another brilliant living experience to add to the glittering Makati skyline.

Park Central Towers is a prime residential enclave that will rise in the newly master-planned Roxas Triangle—an address that will provide residents with luxury and convenience within arm’s reach.

A high-end project to rise within the Makati central business district, the Park Central Towers is poised to become one of Ayala Land Premier’s most iconic residential condominium buildings. It will exemplify contemporary living, emboldened with the most inspired details of refinement—an elegant high glass ratio façade allowing natural light and expansive views to stream in, encompassing up to 68 storeys in the South Tower.

Park Central Towers will consist of limited edition Aquaview and Skyview Collections rendered in two-bedroom, three-bedroom and four-bedroom configurations and will be an integrated mixed-use development.

SOTOGRANDE KATIPUNAN

STA. LUCIA LAND INC.

The 23-storey SotoGrande Katipunan is a mixed-used development that will offer three floors for commercial and business use, another three for basement parking, while the rest will be for spacious residential homes perfect for students, individuals, and young families.

Among the residential floors, the 4th to 16th floors have been selected to house the SotoGrande Condotel, which offers a selection of hotel suites designed to become your “home away from home” especially for long staying guests.

SotoGrande Katipunan and its prime location offer the advantage of being close to Metro Manila’s key thoroughfares namely Edsa, C5, Marcos Highway, Aurora Boulevard and Katipunan Avenue.

Facilities and amenities include a coffee shop, a grand lobby, lap pool, kiddie pool, poolside bar, gym, function hall and a sky lounge.

SIGLO SUITES

CENTURY PROPERTIES INC.

SIGLO Suites is an exclusive, specialty management and leasing service from Century Properties that will help owners manage and lease their units to those looking for rental spaces.

According to Century Properties, its own research has shown that its unit owners are already offering their units online for transient stay.

“We recognize that this short term rental phenomenon for your private homes will become even more prevalent in the next few years and we, at Century Properties, have decided to help facilitate this practice to help improve the experience for both owners and short term guests,” the company said.

“Centralizing the lease of your units and marketing their availability through our own portal, as well as existing portals such as AirBnb, will not only help make it profitable for you, but will become hassle free as well,” it further added.

SIGLO Suites are now available for booking at the Gramercy Residences, Knightsbridge Residences and Milano Residences at Century City in Makati, as well as in Azure Urban Resort Residences.

COSTA VISTA BORACAY

VISTA RESIDENCES

Vista Residences, the condominium arm of Vista Land, is offering the picture place to unwind in one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations.

Through Costa Vista Boracay, Vista Residences is creating homes designed to be one’s sanctuary in the famed island of Boracay. Six stunning residential towers, private villas, and a hotel will soon rise over a prime six hectare area, which will also house a pavilion with viewing deck, pool, convention center, and a commercial quarter.

“Costa Vista Boracay is another strategic step in expanding our presence in Boracay Island, bringing Vista Residences’ expertise in one of the most popular world beach destinations,” Vista Land chairman Manuel B. Villar Jr. said earlier in a statement.

“We are taking advantage of the increasing number of tourist arrivals and the favorable macroeconomic condition of the Philippines. This will be attractive for both end users and investors who are looking for either a home or a source of rental income,” Villar had said.

Costa Vista Boracay will sit on Punta Bunga beach at the island’s northwestern tip, atop one of the highest points of the island. Although surrounded with the finest hotels by some of the world’s top leisure chains, Costa Vista is the only property in the area with direct access to the beach.

SPATIAL SERIES

FILINVEST LAND INC.

Filinvest Land’s Spatial series under the Futura Value Homes brand featured mid-rise condominium communities offering spacious units and a host of amenities in a secure and accessible enclave.

Following the earlier success of the One Spatial in Pasig City, Filinvest Land has now taken the concept to Visayas and Mindanao.

It has brought One Spatial in the progressive City of Iloilo, wherein the development is conveniently located near malls, schools and other lifestyle essentials. In Davao City, the 8 Spatial meanwhile carries the Spatial-signature features of generous open spaces and amenities.

The latest in this series is the Marina Spatial, the residential component of the masterplanned 1.9-hectare Marina Town in Dumaguete.

Marina Town boasts of 73 percent allotted for open areas and commercial establishments, including a hotel, and a lifestyle mall with over 2,000 sqm of BPO office space fronting the serenely majestic Dumaguete Bay.