Century Properties, yoo unveil Acqua Iguazu yoo inspired by Starck tower in Manila

Acqua Private Residences Masterplan: Artist’s rendition of the Acqua Private Residences masterplan with its first five buildings. The Acqua Iguazu yoo inspired by Starck tower is the rightmost building designed with the unique crown and multi-level amenity deck called the Cielo.

PHILSTAR - - Century Properties Group formally unveiled recently its much-awaited residential development in collaboration with yoo, the design company founded by the world’s most celebrated living designer Philippe Starck, and international property entrepreneur  John Hitchcox.

The new Century Properties project called Acqua Iguazu is the first residential tower in the Philippines to be interior designed by the UK-based yoo inspired by Starck, and will be the latest addition to its portfolio of highly distinctive interior design projects around the world.

The P1.3-billion development is the fifth building to rise within the developer’s 2.4-hectare Acqua Private Residences project in Mandaluyong City, and was launched following the successful sales of the four previous Acqua towers: Niagara, Sutherland, Dettifoss and Livingstone (interior design by MissoniHome). The entire development features a rainforest-infused design theme and will have a total of 6 residential buildings.

John Hitchcox led the yoo team entourage in a visit to Manila to grace the project’s groundbreaking ceremonies at the site in Mandaluyong City. Joining him were yoo head of design Mark Davison, yoo designer Anastasia Kessaris and yoo marketing director Michelle Van Vuuren, as well as Century Properties officials Marco and Robbie Antonio.

“This partnership was forthcoming because Century Properties has consistently worked with the best in real estate. The local market has shown its readiness for branded property, and the international market could not wait to get more of it. They recognize branded developments to be on a par with international standards and to be superior in quality. Acqua Iguazu will be such a residence, and one that will offer that rare experience of life as viewed by Mr. Starck and yoo,” Century Properties co chief operating officer Marco Antonio said.

For his part, Century Properties managing director and international collaborations head Robbie Antonio noted that the project is consistent with their tradition of creating premium developments, life-enhancing spaces and distinctive experiences one has never before encountered. “yoo inspired by Starck’s design mark in Acqua Iguazu will forever change our view and standards for residential living,” he added.

Meanwhile, Starck said: “I am so very proud to present the first yoo inspired by Starck building in your beautiful country and I am so delighted to be a part of this very exciting project. Those of you who have experienced our designs before are in for another surprising, inspiring and delightful journey.”

Hitchcox added that “because these spaces will be a permanent home to a lot of people, we have made our creations unique and very special.”

Acqua Iguazu will rise to more than 50 storeys and have approximately 400 units. The building is designed with a distinctive crown called the “Cielo,” a multi-level amenity deck full yoo inspired by Starck design. The Cielo will have a gushing waterfall with a swimming pool, a bar, a DJ booth and dance floor, function room, an indoor and outdoor library, a movie room and dining area. The roof will have a cut out of a quote from the Little Prince written in Starck’s own handwriting.

The Cielo will also bear a spherical design statement – a tribute to the sun and moon – which will cast its glowing rays like the sun by day, and illuminate with a dramatic glow like the moon at night.

For the Acqua Iguazu units, three interior design inspirations following the themes of minimal, nature, and culture were opened for showcase at the Acqua Iguazu showroom. These will serve as reference motifs for homeowners who wish to decorate their units in true yoo inspired by Starck style.

Antonio is confident the project will entice local and overseas buyers, especially urban professionals and startup families who are familiar with Starck’s household name.

French designer Starck is known globally for his groundbreaking design and innovative spins on everyday products from toothbrushes to lamps, automobiles and even a yacht. British real estate entrepreneur Hitchcox is credited for founding the Manhattan Loft Project, the firm responsible for giving rise to the concept of loft living across London.

In 1999, Starck and Hitchcox founded yoo inspired by Starck in a shared vision to help people to live better through good design. Since then, yoo has been working with international developers for residential, hotel and commercial projects throughout Asia, Australia, Europe, Africa, North and South Americas and the Middle East and is responsible for the design of over 10,000 homes in 31 cities. Acqua Iguazu is the first yoo inspired by Starck residential tower project in the Philippines.

For more details on Century Property projects, you may contact Reby Ramirez: 0922.883.9308 / 0916.4044.555 / 0919699.3572 or reby_ramirez@yahoo.com.

For latest information on the Philippine Real Estate Industry and the Real Estate Service Act (RA9646), please visit www.ra9646.com.ph. 

Acqua Private Residences’ 5th tower unveiled

ACQUA Iguazu yoo inspired by Starck breaks ground. From left are yoo designer Anastasia Kessaris, Century Properties managing director and head of International Collaborations Robbie Antonio, yoo founder and chair John Hitchcox, Century Properties co-COO Marco Antonio, yoo marketing director Michelle Van Vuuren and yoo head of Design Mark Davison.

INQUIRER - PREMIUM DEVELOPER Century Properties recently introduced to the media the fifth tower of its Acqua Private Residences called Iguazo yoo inspired by Starck.

The project is in collaboration with UK-based design and development company yoo, founded by Philippe Starck, the most revered living designer, and John Hitchcock, international property entrepreneur.

Considered “Prada of the property industry” by UK-based newspaper The Independent, yoo will interior design the P1.3-billion development, its first residential tower project in the Philippines.

3 big events

ARTIST’S rendition of the Acqua Private Residences masterplan with the first five buildings. The Acqua Iguazu yoo inspired by Starck tower is the rightmost building designed with the unique crown and multilevel amenity deck called the Cielo.

Three big events highlighted the introduction to the media of the fifth and the tallest tower of the development to rise within Century Properties’ 2.4-project in Mandaluyong City. What a way to celebrate Century Properties’ collaboration with yoo.!

First was the ceremonial groundbreaking headed by Century Properties officials Marco and Robbie R. Antonio, co-chief operating officer, and managing director and head for international collaborations, respectively. They were joined during the ceremonies by yoo officials led by Hitchcock, head of design Mark Davison, designer Anastasia Kessaris and marketing director Michelle Van Vuuren.

Cognizant of the important role the company’s sales vice presidents play in the successful sales of the four previous Acqua towers, the two Antonio siblings called them for a photo opportunity.

Marco and Robbie took turns in briefing the media about the project. Marco said: “This partnership was forthcoming because Century Properties has consistently worked with the best in real estate. The local market has shown its readiness for branded property, and the international market could not wait to get more of it. They recognize branded developments to be on par with international standards and to be superior in quality. Acqua Iguazu will be such a residence, and one that will offer that rare experience of life as viewed by Mr. Starck and yoo.”

Tradition
According to Robbie, “This project is consistent with our tradition of creating premium developments, life-enhancing spaces and distinctive experiences you have never before encountered yoo inspired by Starck’s design mark in Acqua Iguazu will forever change our view and standards for residential living.”

Starck’s absence was not missed during the event since his video was played where he expressed how very proud he is in presenting “the first yoo inspired by Starck building in your beautiful country and I am very delighted to be a part of this very exciting project.”

He told those who have experienced their designs before are in for another surprising, inspiring and delightful journey.

A CANOPY bed bearing a European design tradition highlights the Culture interior design theme bedroom.

Hitchcock recounted to the media his entry into the international property industry and how he and Starck founded yoo.

For his part, Hitchcock said, “Because these spaces will be a permanent home for a lot of people, we have made our creations unique and very special.”

He was referring to the building’s distinctive crown called the “Cielo.” This multilevel amenity deck will have a gushing waterfall with a swimming pool, a bar, a DJ booth and dance floor, function room, an indoor and outdoor library, a movie room and a dining room.

A cutout of a quote from “The Little Prince” in Starck’s own handwriting will be found in the roof. The Cielo will contain a tribute to the sun and the moon, a spherical design statement.

Officials of the two firms earlier met in Paris to start negotiations for the interior design of the project with Starck ending up to visit the project site.

Attract buyers
Antonio said he is confident the project will attract overseas and local buyers especially those who are familiar with Starck’s household name. The French designer is known for his groundbreaking design and innovative spins on everyday products from toothbrushes to lamps, automobiles and even a yacht.

Antonio need not worry about sales since according to Money magazine “yoo design doesn’t improve the living standard, but adds value and boosts sales.”

Acqua Iguazu will rise more than 50 stories high and will only have about 400 units. Its expected completion date is October 2018. Its name was derived from Iguazu Falls, one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, which is located where Brazil and Argentina converge. The four other Acqua towers—Niagara, Sutherland, Dettifoss and Livingstone—were all named after famous waterfalls all over the world.

Another tower will complete the six residential buildings that will rise in the entire development which features a rainforest-infused design theme.

Model units
Capping the fifth tower’s unveiling was the media tour of the showrooms containing the interiors yoo is best known for. These are three model units that differ in inspirations.

• Called Minimal, the one-bedroom unit measures 36 square meters. It is described by yoo designers as clean and calm with a modern edge. Glass, metal and concrete are incorporated in the design that has neutral colors. This design serves as a simple start in determining how you want to live. Your tastes and personality are reflected in the decorative items you gradually add to this design.

• Nature. Pure and simple, this design would appeal to those who love to live with fresh air, blue sky and the smell of rising sun. It would also please city dwellers who want to bring the nature into the urban environment. This model unit has a two-bedroom configuration, measuring 79.4 sq m. According to the designers, its colors and materials have been drawn from natural hues: pale, the sun and sea-bleached wood, sand and pebble gray with soft green.

• Culture. Like Nature, this model unit has a 79.4-sq-m two-bedroom configuration. The balcony area ranges from 11.2 to 13.27 sq m. Philippine culture is mixed with Italian. Quite noticeable in the model unit are a chair with a big eagle on top and a chandelier likened to an upside-down flower bouquet whose lights appear as the flowers.

By partnering with yoo, Centuries Properties is expected to get talked about as well as get written about.

For more details on Acqua Private Residences and other Century Property projects, you may contact Reby Ramirez: 0922.883.9308 / 0916.4044.555 / 0919699.3572 or reby_ramirez@yahoo.com.

For latest information on the Philippine Real Estate Industry and the Real Estate Service Act (RA9646), please visit www.ra9646.com.ph. 

Century founder bags Asean property award

INQUIRER - Century Properties Group founder and chairman Jose Antonio was cited as the 2012 Real Estate Personality of the Year at the Southeast Asia Property Awards for his work in “transforming the Manila skyline with quality developments.”

Antonio was also cited for his work as “a true industry pioneer” and for “drawing the global spotlight not only to the Philippines but to the entire Southeast Asian region with notable brand collaborations.”

The awarding ceremonies were held on November 21 at the Shangri-la Hotel in Singapore.
Antonio is the second recipient of the award after Ho Kwon Ping, executive chairman of the Banyan Tree Holdings, won it in 2011. The Century Properties founder also received the citations bestowed by the awards to Trump Tower at Century City for the Best Residential Development-Philippines category, and Century Properties Group for the Best Developer-Philippines category.

A firm believer in the growth potential of the Philippines, Antonio founded Century Properties 26 years ago amid the People Power Revolution. Under Antonio’s leadership, Century entered into collaborations with global brands in real estate and interior design, including Versace Home for The Milano Residences, MissoniHome for Acqua Livingstone, Trump for Trump Tower at Century City, yoo inspired by Starck with John Hitchcox and Philippe Starck for Acqua Iguazu and Paris Hilton for the Azure Urban Resort Residences Beach Club.

“I believe that Century’s remarkable competitive strength lies in the passion of its people. This has translated into a proven heritage of innovation and product differentiation. We are committed to not just introduce firsts but also deliver quality projects that help transform Metro Manila as a world-class and cosmopolitan city,” Antonio said.

Jules Kay, managing editor of Property Report Southeast Asia magazine, said of Antonio: “Despite such high-profile developments, as a seasoned property professional he remains focused on quality.”
In his acceptance speech, Antonio said: “Southeast Asia and the whole of Asia is moving toward the center of economic gravity of the world and we are fortunate and excited to be working in this part of the world today, where growth will be the major theme.”

The South East Asia Property Awards (SEAPA) aims to recognize the best of the region’s luxury real estate as well as underscore high-caliber work in construction, architecture, interior design and property management.

The Personality of the Year title is a special award and the only one given by SEAPA for a personality’s outstanding body of work within the region’s real estate landscape. The rest of the SEAPA category titles are given to developers, their projects and other real estate consultants like architects, interior designers and property consultancy firms.

This year’s roster of finalists comprised developers and projects from Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam, with a total of 38 awards handed out in different development, developer and property consultancy categories.

For more details on Century Property projects, you may contact Reby Ramirez: 0922.883.9308 / 0916.4044.555 / 0919699.3572 or reby_ramirez@yahoo.com.

For latest information on the Philippine Real Estate Industry and the Real Estate Service Act (RA9646), please visit www.ra9646.com.ph. 

High-end developer sees no property bubble

INQUIRER - The Philippine real estate market is nowhere near the bubble of the late 1990s as evidenced by the continued strong demand from end-users, including buyers of high-end condominium units, according to officials of Century Properties Group Inc.

In a briefing, chief operating officer Jose Marco Antonio said the growth in demand for premium high-rise developments—defined as condominium units worth P7 million upward—continued to outstrip the growth in supply in the sector.

“Supply has increased by about 50 percent, but demand has increased by 130 percent,” he said, quoting the results of a recent industry study.

In recent years, Century Properties has become one of the high-profile developers of high-end condominium buildings, due in part to an aggressive marketing campaign that brought in celebrities and designers as marketing partners for their developments. These include ongoing projects like the Trump Tower, a residential development marketed as having been designed by celebrity socialite Paris Hilton, and other buildings made according to the specifications of the Versace, Missoni and Philippe Starck design houses.

Despite periodic reminders by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to banks to be mindful of their lending activities to property concerns, Antonio downplayed rumors of an imminent real estate bubble, pointing to the prevailing low interest rate regime in the country and around the world.

He predicted that low interest rates, which make it cheaper for condominium buyers to obtain financing from banks, would continue as the developed nations in the West try to revive their stagnant economies.

Antonio pointed out that the high-end real estate market in the Philippines was dominated by only one other firm, apart from Century Properties—Ayala Land Inc.’s Ayala Land Premier. This fact, he said, helped limit supply in the market.

In addition, the Century Properties official noted that the appreciation in prices of both land and condominiums in recent years was nowhere near the rates seen during the late 1990s, just before the collapse of the property market.

“The annual [price] increases of 5 to 8 percent [in the sector] is sustainable and is a long way off the peaks in 1997 for both land and condos,” he said.

On Sunday, Century Properties launched its latest high-end development, the fifth tower of its Acqua Private Residences complex in Mandaluyong City. Antonio said the company would spend P1.7 billion to build the condominium, dubbed “Iguazu” which, at 50 stories, will be the tallest structure on the 2.4-hectare property directly across the river from the Rockwell complex.

He said the company was expected to book some P3.5 billion in revenues from the new building, which was being designed by world-renowned architect Philippe Starck.

All told, the Acqua complex is expected to bring in P15 billion in sales for Century Properties.

For more details on Century Property projects, you may contact Reby Ramirez: 0922.883.9308 / 0916.4044.555 / 0919699.3572 or reby_ramirez@yahoo.com.

For latest information on the Philippine Real Estate Industry and the Real Estate Service Act (RA9646), please visit www.ra9646.com.ph.

Century Properties to invest P7B in mass project

INQUIRER - Property developer Century Properties Group (CPG) plans to invest P7 billion this year to boost its affordable residential property portfolio, encouraged by the brisk sales take-up of its debut offering into this segment.

CPG reported that its Residences project on Commonwealth, Quezon City—an eight-tower mid-rise development with units worth P1.5 to P3 million each, and targeting young professionals and start-up families—has attracted strong reservation sales since its recent launch.

“Sales have been brisk, with Century almost fully pre-selling two towers since the launch one month ago. This is positive proof that Commonwealth by Century has been tremendously well-embraced by the public for its affordability and lifestyle offering,” CPG co-chief operating officer Marco Antonio said.

“Our Commonwealth project is only the first of a series of master-planned developments that Century plans to roll out in key cities nationwide for this category. We recognize the demand for residential property outside Metro Manila and this is part of our expansion plans,” Antonio said in a statement.

The P4.1-billion Commonwealth project is a mid-rise development offering a total of 2,300 units and a sales value of over P10 billion.

CPG plans to significantly boost its portfolio for the affordable market segment with its P7 billion allotment to this segment for this year alone.

“The market is hungry for unique products with intrinsic value, and attainable monthly amortization stretched over a two-year to five-year period,” Antonio added.

For the second quarter, CPG reported P5.4 billion in pre-sales, of which 19 percent, 40 percent and 41 percent came from the luxury, middle-income and affordable markets, respectively.

This suggests the build-up of potential revenue contribution once significant progress on the construction of these projects is made.

Property developers recognize revenues out of pre-sold property units only after construction milestones are reached.

With 26 years in the business of real estate development, marketing and property management, CPG has completed 20 condominium buildings (4,128 units) with a total gross floor area of 548,262 square meters.

It manages 51 properties as of end-2011. CPG seeks to deliver “differentiated, quality real estate.”
Designed by the award-winning firm Broadway Malyan with Century’s in-house architecture team, the eight residential towers of CPG’s Commonwealth project are named after the prominent personalities of the Commonwealth period.

Osmeña West, the first building, will rise at 11 floors with 200 units and will be delivered in 2015. Succeeding buildings such as the Quezon, Roxas, Osmeña and Quirino towers will rise to as high as 22 stories.

Units will come in suites and one-bedroom configurations that range from 21 to 49 square meters with an average price of P80,000 per square meter.

Larger-cut two-bedroom units from 64 to 72 square meters worth at least P5 million are also available.

For more details on Century Property projects, you may contact Reby Ramirez: 0922.883.9308 / 0916.4044.555 / 0919699.3572 or reby_ramirez@yahoo.com.

For latest information on the Philippine Real Estate Industry and the Real Estate Service Act (RA9646), please visit www.ra9646.com.ph. 

Ground broken on Trump Tower Manila in Philippines

World Interior Design Network - Philippines-based real estate company Century Properties Group has broken ground on Broadway Malyan-designed Trump Tower Manila in Manila, Philippines.

Poised to be the tallest residential building in Philippines, the Trump Tower Manila will be the centrepiece of MoMa, a mixed-use development on a four-hectare site in Makati City. The Trump Tower Manila will be a 58-storey residential tower, which will be 250m tall. It will offer 220 residential units.

The design of the building is based on the concept of a ‘peeled façade’ of an extruded square, punctuated with internal box ledges. The building will have external terraces at the top and bottom corners that will render a dynamic form to the tower.

The building will be cladded with an environmentally-responsive skin that will consist of light shelves and shading systems. It will enable the building to offer protection from the sun. The skin will also enhance the building's performance and offer unobstructed views of the city.

The building will feature various sustainable practices, which will enable it to further evolve as an iconic structure in the country. The tower will have a low surface-to-volume ratio which will bring about reduction in energy consumption and set a new benchmark in green living.

The high-performance curtain wall system will feature light shelves which will have a dual advantage of acting as shading devices, and bouncing light deeper into the apartments. The eastern and western elevations of the building will have vertical fins, which will negate the negative attributes of low angle sun. The vertical fins will allow the residents to enjoy the panoramic views of the city. A series of sky terraces and extended box ledges of differing sizes will aid in reducing the glare of the sun and function as an effective shading device.

The residential units will have an area of more than 57 square metres and will be a mix of one- to four-bedroom apartments. The development will also include penthouses of approximately 425 square metres. The project, based on its amenities and common areas, is slated to be the world's first condominium to offer a choice of Hermès home collections.

The tower will offer various recreational, health and well-being facilities, which will be spread throughout. The 30th floor of the tower will accommodate an intermediary skygarden, which will consist of an infinity lap pool, juice bar, gym, stylish spa lounge, treatment rooms, sauna and steam rooms, as well as a beauty salon.
The residential skyscraper will also include a business centre which will be complete with meeting rooms, function space and video rooms. The other amenities for the residents consist of a library, lounge and garden terrace. The ground floor will accommodate a fine-dining restaurant.

The design of the Trump Tower Manila has won the Best Residential High-Rise Architecture (The Philippines) category at the Asia Pacific Property Awards 2012-13.

For more details on Trump Towers Manila and  Century Properties' projects, you may e-mail reby_ramirez@yahoo.com or contact her at 0922.883.9308 / 0916.4044.555 / 0919.699.3572 / 4044-534.

For latest update on real estate development and its RA 9646, the Real Estate Service Act of 2009, visit www.ra9646.com.

Property boom transforming Philippine skylines

AFP - As a Philippine property boom gathers pace, even Paris Hilton, Donald Trump and high-fashion house Versace are getting a piece of the action.

The good times are into their fourth year, fuelled by steady economic growth, Western firms offshoring jobs to the Philippines, the buying power of millions of Filipinos working abroad and low interest rates.

"It just so happens that today the stars are aligned... we have never seen the economy this bullish," said Antonino Aquino, president of Ayala Land, one of the country's biggest property developers.

Ayala Land is one of the main players in what industry figures describe as an unprecedented construction boom that is transforming the skyline of the nation's capital, as well as many provincial cities.

In Manila, formerly sleepy pockets such as the Fort army base and the rundown Eastwood industrial zone have become chic, new business districts, catering mainly for the fast-growing outsourcing sector.

At the Fort, Ayala Land this year broke ground on its US$714-million One Bonifacio High Street project, which when completed in 2017 will host the Philippine Stock Exchange, a Shangri-La hotel, and retail outlets.

The project also has a 63-storey residential tower, with 298 suites ranging from US$500,000 to US$1.9 million that sold out last month in 96 hours, according to the company.

Across the country, more than 850,000 square metres (9.1 million square feet) of office space and 14,000 residential units will enter the market this year, property consultants CBRE Philippines said in a report.
It said many of the residential units catered for a growing middle-class on the fringes of Manila and other urban centres.

The building boom has also spread to hotels, shopping malls and casinos, triggering hopes of a long-anticipated take-off of the underdeveloped tourism industry.

Three of the world's biggest gaming industry leaders are building a US$4-billion, 100-hectare (247-acre) Entertainment City complex of casinos on Manila Bay. The first of the casinos are set to open early next year.

Meanwhile, Trump, the New York mogul, has put his name to a US$150-million, 56-storey, curtain-glass-walled Trump Tower that broke ground in the financial district this year.

"High-end buyers look for key differentiated features," said Robbie Antonio, managing director of Century Properties that is behind the Trump Tower development.

He said 70 percent of the 220 residential units, which are worth up to US$1.86 million each, have been sold.

The firm is putting up a nearby tower designed by the Versace fashion house -- the first of its kind in Asia -- featuring individual wading pools as well as its iconic Medusa-head brand imprinted on lamp shades and cutlery.

Century also flew in socialite and hotel heiress Hilton to Manila last year to help design and promote a suburban Manila residential project that features a man-made beach.

Industry players say the property boom reflects the overall status of the nation's economy as it picks up steam after decades of underperforming compared with many of its Asian neighbours.

The economy grew 6.4 percent in the first quarter, the stock market has surged 20 percent this year to hit all-time highs, and the country's credit rating has been bumped up to just a step below investment grade.

The central bank's benchmark interest rates are also at historic lows -- 4.0 percent for the benchmark borrowing rate -- ensuring large piles of cheap cash for property development.
Aside from the macro economic picture, real estate analysts point to the outsourcing phenomenon as one of the key drivers of the property boom.

From virtually nothing a decade ago, outsourcing now employs more than 600,000 people and is worth US$11 billion annually, according to the main industry association which is forecasting 15 percent growth in the years ahead.

Many of the skyscrapers are being built to cater for the outsourcing workforce, which performs a myriad of tasks from call centre duties to designing architectural plans for foreign firms.
Meanwhile, roughly nine million Filipinos who work overseas are sending large chunks of the US$22 billion they earn -- equal to 10 percent of the nation's gross domestic product -- back home, often investing in real estate.

The frenetic building pace has some quarters anxious over a potential property bubble, with the global economic woes adding to concerns.

But Rick Santos, CBRE Philippines chief executive, remains bullish, in large part because of the expected continued growth in the outsourcing sector.

"As economies in the West tighten, global companies will see it in their interest to outsource their non-core functions to save on costs, " Santos told an industry briefing recently.

Ayala Land's Aquino also said local market had not seen the price bubbles that preceded crashes in other countries, where property values suddenly doubled or tripled.

"The price increases have been very close to or a little more than the inflation rate," Aquino said.
Trump Tower developer Antonio added: "We are confident that there's still a demand that has to be met."

For latest update on real estate development and its RA 9646, the Real Estate Service Act of 2009, visit www.ra9646.com.

Developer ups ante with Trump Tower

INQUIRER - The Philippine real estate market is experiencing a different kind of storm.
As if the proliferation of residential buildings and communities that have continuously reshaped skylines and landscapes were not enough, local real estate developers have begun upping the ante to redefine the term “quality living.”

For instance: whereas globally renowned personalities and brands like Trump, Versace and Missoni were reserved before for the ultra elite, gamechanger Century Properties Group Inc. was able to bring in the country and into its developments these coveted stamps to provide more Filipinos a chance to a sophisticated yet quality way of living.

Recently, the two sons of American real estate tycoon Donald Trump flew into the country to inaugurate Century Properties’ $150-million Trump Tower.

But more than just the name and the endorsements, the arrival of brothers Donald Jr. and Eric more importantly signifies a vote of confidence in the country’s capacity to be at par with the rest of the world, and also marks Trump’s affirmation of the development’s significance in this part of the globe.

Increased confidence
“The fact that a Trump-branded development is rising in the Philippines is a testament to the increased confidence of the international sector in our country’s potential to become a world-class destination,” noted Century Properties managing director and Trump Tower Manila project head Robbie Antonio.

“As a standard bearer of excellence in residential living, Trump Tower Manila also positions the Philippines as the ideal place of residence for global citizens,” Antonio added.

Announced in September 2011, Trump Tower Manila is a 56-story residential development that is owned and developed by Century City Development Corp., a member of Century Properties Group Inc., with the brand name and mark under license from the New York-based Trump.

Trump Tower Manila, which will be delivered by 2016, is said to be a huge undertaking that is perceived by many as a milestone as it highlights the optimistic outlook of the international property sector in the Philippines.

First in Asia
The Philippines, indeed, is lucky to have the Trump Tower, heralded as the newest addition to this illustrious roster of Trump-branded developments and the first to be erected in Asia in this decade.

Trump Tower Manila will be built within Century City, a 3.4-hectare masterplanned property on Kalayaan Avenue, Makati City, which will be comprised of luxury residential towers, a medical-IT building, offices and a retail center.

It was only in March this year that the Trump Tower Manila showroom in Makati was opened to the public on an appointment basis. A month later, the project has already garnered two highly coveted Asia Pacific Property Awards in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: the Best Residential High-rise and the Best High-rise Architecture titles in the Philippines category.

So it is not at all surprising that by early May, Century Properties reported that 67 percent of the more than 220-unit residential tower has been sold.

“We are overwhelmed with the tremendous success of this project in such a short time. Trump Tower Manila has already received accolades even prior to breaking ground which is an incredible accomplishment further showcasing the strength of the local market and its increasing demand in the ownership of luxury real estate,” noted Eric Trump.

And like all Century Property developments, the project’s inaugural included a well-attended press briefing with the local and international media, a groundbreaking ceremony and an evening reception exclusive to the owners and investors of the project.

Scheduled medical mission
Also part of the Trumps’ itinerary was a visit to a scheduled medical mission in Manila by Operation Smile Philippines, a nonprofit organization that conducts surgeries for children with cleft lip and cleft palette deformities.

Century founder and chair Jose Antonio is currently the chair of Operation Smile Philippines’ development committee while Donald Trump Jr. sits as a board member of Operation Smile in the United States.
Eric Trump, for his part, is the active founder of the Eric Trump Foundation, a charity organization dedicated to improving the lives of children battling debilitating medical conditions.

Similar to the previous events organized by Century Properties, Operation Smile Philippines is the beneficiary this year of several Trump Tower Manila functions that are intended to raise funds for the organization’s 30th Anniversary Missions in November and December.

“The Trump Tower Manila event is a celebration of the project’s success, the market’s phenomenal reception to the property and the arrival of the Trump brand to the Philippines. We honor this occasion by giving back to the children of Operation Smile,” the older Antonio shared.

For more details on Trump Tower and Century Properties condo projects, you may e-mail reby_ramirez@yahoo.com or contact her at 0922.883.9308 / 0916.4044.555 / 0919.699.3572 / 4044-534.

For latest update on real estate development and its RA 9646, the Real Estate Service Act of 2009, visit www.ra9646.com.

Trumps eye more Philippine projects

INQUIRER - Two sons of American tycoon Donald Trump flew in from New York Tuesday for the groundbreaking of Trump Tower Manila, a luxury tower to be developed by Century Properties Group and the first of what is hinted to be a series of property projects involving the Trump brand in the Philippines.

“This will not be our last project in the Philippines. We’re looking forward to rolling out a couple of things,” Donald Trump Jr. said in a press briefing. He hinted that talks have started with the Antonio family-led Century group for follow-up projects.

Trump Tower Manila is a $150-million, 56-story residential development project of Century with the brand name and mark under license from the Trump. It will rise in Century City, the Century group’s 3.4-hectare flagship development along Kalayaan Avenue in Makati City.

Century founder and chairman Jose Antonio said this project was very relevant in assisting the positioning of greater Metro Manila as a “cosmopolitan” city. He noted that cosmopolitan cities elsewhere in the region like Hong Kong, Shanghai and Singapore had captured a lot of investments and having a quality development and a strong brand should groom Metro Manila into a better position.

“Quality will always be remembered long after the price has been forgotten,” he said.

The residential units in Trump Tower Manila is selling at an average P200,000 a square meter. Based on the size range of between 57 and 400 square meters, the smallest unit is priced at P11.4 million and the biggest at P80 million. The units will be turned over to buyers by 2016.

Robbie Antonio, Century managing director, said 70 percent of the 222-unit residential development had already been sold since the project was launched in September 2011.

Donald Trump Jr., left, and Eric Trump, right, sons of real estate developer Donald Trump, pose with local developer Jose E. B. Antonio during a press conference on the launching of Manila's Trump Tower project Tuesday, June 26, 2012 in Makati. AP PHOTO/PAT ROQUE

“The fact that a Trump-branded development is rising in the Philippines is a testament to the increased confidence of the international sector in our country’s potential to become a world-class destination. As a standard bearer of excellence in residential living, Trump Tower Manila also positions the Philippines as the ideal place of residence for global citizens,” the younger Antonio said.

“We are overwhelmed with the tremendous success of this project in such a short time. Trump Tower Manila has already received accolades even prior to breaking ground, which is an incredible accomplishment further showcasing the strength of the local market and its increasing demand in the ownership of luxury real estate,” Eric Trump said.

He added that the design of Trump Tower Manila was such that the Trumps “wanted to have the best building not only in the Philippines but in Asia and the world.”

For more details on Trump Tower Manila, you may e-mail reby_ramirez@yahoo.com or contact her at 0922.883.9308 / 0916.4044.555 / 0919.699.3572.

For latest update on real estate development and its RA 9646, the Real Estate Service Act of 2009, visit www.ra9646.com.

Trump and Century inaugurate Trump Tower Manila

Philippine Star -  It is often said that behind every brand is a distinguished standard of quality. That each one exists and dominates not just for the sake of being, but because of the unique set of values that it stands for to the consumer. In the realm of elite residential living, one of the undisputed brand names remains to be Trump. For decades Trump-branded properties worldwide have maintained their status as the standard bearer of true luxury living.

The newest addition to this illustrious roster of Trump-branded developments is the first to be erected in Asia in this decade. Rising in the capital city of the Philippines, Trump Tower Manila will be delivered by top real estate firm Century Properties Group Inc. in 2016.

Many perceive that such an undertaking is a milestone for the Philippines, as it underscores a vote of confidence by the international sector for the country’s strong potential of becoming an international destination, the center of winning properties and more so, as an ideal place of residence for global citizens.

On July 26, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump arrived in Manila to grace the official launch of the property. Their arrival marks Trump’s affirmation of the development’s significance in this part of the world.

Announced in September 2011, Trump Tower Manila is a $150-million, 56-storey residential development that is owned and developed by Century City Development Corp., a member of Century Properties Group Inc., with the brand name and mark under license from the New York-based Trump.

In March, the Trump Tower Manila showroom in Makati opened to by-appointment viewing. In late April, the development received two highly coveted Asia Pacific Property Awards in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: the Best Residential High-rise and the Best High-rise Architecture titles in the Philippines category. A few days later, in early May, Century Properties reported that 67 percent of the more than 220-unit residential tower has been sold. 

“We are overwhelmed with the tremendous success of this project in such a short time. Trump Tower Manila has already received accolades even prior to breaking ground which is an incredible accomplishment further showcasing the strength of the local market and its increasing demand in the ownership of luxury real estate,” said Eric Trump.

Robbie Antonio, Century Properties managing director and Trump Tower Manila project head said: “The fact that a Trump-branded development is rising in the Philippines is a testament to the increased confidence of the international sector in our country’s potential to become a world-class destination. As a standard bearer of excellence in residential living, Trump Tower Manila also positions the Philippines as the ideal place of residence for global citizens.”

The project’s inaugural included a press briefing with the local and international media, a groundbreaking ceremony, and an evening reception exclusive to the owners and investors of the project.
Also part of the Trumps’ itinerary was a visit to a scheduled medical mission in Manila by Operation Smile Philippines, a non-profit organization that conducts surgeries for children with cleft lip and cleft palette deformities.

Robbie Antonio is the Chairman of Operation Smile Philippines’ Development Committee while Donald Trump Jr. sits as a Board Member of Operation Smile in the United States.
Eric Trump, for his part, is the active founder of the Eric Trump Foundation, a charity organization dedicated to improving the lives of children battling debilitating medical conditions.

Similar to the previous events organized by Century Properties, Operation Smile Philippines is the beneficiary this year of several Trump Tower Manila functions that are intended to raise funds for the organization’s 30th Anniversary Missions in November and December.

“The Trump Tower Manila event is a celebration of the project’s success, the market’s phenomenal reception to the property and the arrival of the Trump brand to the Philippines. We honor this occasion by giving back to the children of Operation Smile,” Robbie Antonio shared.
Century City is the flagship development of Century Properties. It is a 3.4-hectare masterplanned property in Kalayaan Avenue, Makati City, Philippines.

Century City will comprise luxury residential towers, a medical-IT building, offices and a retail center.

For more details on Trump Tower Manila, you may e-mail reby_ramirez@yahoo.com or contact her at 0922.883.9308 / 0916.4044.555 / 0919.699.3572 / 4044-534.

For latest update on real estate development and its RA 9646, the Real Estate Service Act of 2009, visit www.ra9646.com.